ALBUM OF THE MOMENT:
Lateralus by ToolIt can sometimes be difficult to get into a genre that you haven’t grown up with. Maybe it’s too weird (experimental music), it’s been bastardised by the mainstream (rap music) or, in the case of my experiences with metal, it is widely believed that it all sounds the same. The key to unlocking that myth is to listen to lots of metal. In Lateralus, Tool has perfected progressive metal. The songs* on this album are complex epics with odd time signatures**. One could describe this album as an intricate puzzle waiting to be solved. But the dark style and the catchy hooks are enough to make it one that’s enjoyable to puzzle over***. Lateralus is a very genre bending album that not only blends progressive rock and metal but also shows ethnic influences epitomised on the track Reflection. I also may**** detect a grunge influence in the vein of Pearl Jam in the vocal melodies. I’ll need to listen to this album and metal in general more often to understand exactly where this album stands musically and historically. However, from what I’ve heard so far and with the power vested in me, it is my honour to declare this album kick-ass. Oh, and if you need any more reason to listen to this album, Wikipedia: “The track "Mantra" is the slowed-down sound of Maynard James Keenan gently squeezing one of his cats.” Exactly.
Highlights: The Grunge, The Patient, Lateralus, Reflection
*if that’s the right word to describe them
**Mad props to Danny Carey!
***Let’s see how many ways I can say that something has replay value.
****or may not depending on how incorrect I am
TRACK OF THE MOMENT:
All My Friends
LCD Soundsystem
All My Friends
LCD Soundsystem
Lack of pic for track of the moment?
ReplyDeleteNo, just blogger messing up.
ReplyDelete