CD REVIEWS

Artist: Tool
Album: Lateralus (volcano)

'Lateralus' was released this May to mixed reviews. Like many bands who have taken many years between releases, this was really no surprise and the general concensus among Tool fans was confusing to say the least. While many of their listeners have intelligent opinions of them, lets not forget that Tool have become a mainstream band. When thinking of their successes, you can't help but feel that some of the listeners are there just for the fickle joy of thinking their listening to a top-notch alternative. When it comes to their marketing, Tool have done a great job keeping a low profile; they don't appear in their own music videos nor do they make many appearances on TV (with the exceptions of an occasional interview on Much Music at the most). Despite this, Lateralus debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. An impressive feat, considering that you seldom see serious rock at the top of the charts anymore. The demand for the record was huge. Some attribute this to the success of (singer) Maynard James Keenan's other band, A Perfect Circle, but the five years between Lateralus and Aenima generated a whole lot of hype. A lot of people only started hearing the band a couple years ago, thanks in part to many radio stations playing cuts of Aenima during the tour they had going at the time. Lateralus's first single "Schism" opened Tool to a whole new audience. The song was released four months ago and it still recieves steady play on rock radio. Unlike the angrier, muddier sound of the songs released off Aenima, 'Schism' featured all kinds of new sounds. A skillfull bassline, loads of double bass-drumming and a passage which sounds heavily inspired by Pink Floyd. In 'Schism' everything seems to work. The 7/4 time signature is wonderful and unlike some of the songs off the album, it really feels like they know what their doing.

'The Grudge' starts things with a bang. The bassline could of easily come off Aenima and the drumming is absolutely incredible. This song is the machismo of the record. All four members show off their skills. Toward the end Maynard yells for approximately 27 seconds straight. That might not sound all that impressive in print, but it has to be heard to be believed. Next time you're taking a hike, try screaming longer then ten seconds. Its not easy (especially at the top of your lungs). 'Eon Blue Apocalypse' is a pretty, yet simple segue. Adam shows some tasteful use of reverb and it goes nicely into 'The Patient' which is one of my favorite songs off the album. 'The Patient' reminds me of A Perfect Circle, in the way that Adam really harmonizes the notes over Maynard's searing voice and also that the song is a departure from the aggressive sound of most of their catalog. "i am still right here, giving blood, keeping faith". A beautiful line, delivered even better. Maynard sounds like he's on the verge of tears. Unfortunately, Tool can sound good soft for so long. 'Parabol' isn't a bad song; mind you, but after repeated listenings it starts sounding repetitive, and the melody is really too simple to bring out the vocals. Thankfully the song segues into something great. Like 'The Patient', 'Parabola' is full of harmony. The song full of Adam's heroic guitar harmonics and one of their better basslines to date. The lyrics also touch on the general theme of the album: optimism, communication and getting to know ones inner self. This might sound preachy, but for the most part this formula works, give or take a few lyrical passages. The songs on Aenima were either bitter, satirical or full or cynical rage. That's one thing that Lateralus is sorely lacking; a sense of humor. Aenima ofcourse had 'Intermission' and 'Die Eir Von Satan'; the latter being a recipe for deviled eggs played over psuedo-industrial music and a German voice which recalls a Nuremberg rally. The last track on Lateralus is amusing enough. Walls of static abound as you hear an extended sample of Art Bell's "Coast to Coast AM" of a man who believes he's being followed by aliens. An odd way to end the album, sure; but its a harkens back to all the oddities on Tool's past releases and is a welcome addition to the album.

The last half of the album is a little harder to take all in one listen. 'Ticks & Leaches' is by far the heaviest song on the album; featuring screams which don't even sound like Maynard. The recording of this song put his voice off for weeks and you can definitely hear it. Unfortunately, the song is bogged down by an acoustic (or technically "clean") section which lasts for around two minutes. The loud/quiet formula is one of the better techniques in rock music, but when you break down a headbanger's delight like this one for two minutes of acoustic noodling, it can become tedious. The title track takes a while to get going but when it does theres no turning back. The song goes through various time signature changes and at the end is spectacular. One of my favorite songs off the album. This is where the "triad" begins according to the back of the cd case. The next three songs are all supposedly one unit, and while this is a nice idea it doesn't necessarily work. 'Disposition' is wonderful. Adam and Justin play off each other very well, and the unless you were paying lots of attention you wouldn't even know that the lyrics are the same in all three verses. "mention this to me. mention anything. watch the weather change". 'Reflection' starts with a nice steady, tribal-esque drumbeat but the first four minutes are incredibly repetitive. Tool probably had an idea that you would just zone off to this, but thats not why me and many others listen to Tool in the first place. If I wanted something to relax to, I would find myself some ambient music. Asides from the repetition, 'Reflection' starts getting good. By the end you feel thats its a decent song, overall. I personally think its overrated, but thats just me. 'Triad' is technically the end of the album and an odd one at that. Its largely instrumental save for a few backwards vocal effects
here but I can definitely see where the lyrics would fit in here. Its a nice number, though. It ends with a flash of guitar which leaves you wondering 'what's next'?

From reading this review, you're probably thinking I didn't like this record very much. Chances are you're also thinking that I shouldn't be making so many comparisons to Aenima. I realize that these two albums are apples and oranges. They are both very different in their own way. There are songs on here which do show Tool's growth as songwriters, but some of the material is lacking. Lateralus best showcases Danny and Justin's abilities; The drums are mixed very well, and the bass is no exception. Maynard's voice is great as always but I can't help but wonder if he's lost some of the intensity in his voice after his stint with A Perfect Circle. Adam Jones's technique hasn't improved all that much in the five years but for what its worth in the kind of music he plays, it works well. So do as Tool encourage and think for yourself when it comes to this record. Its not the new messiah of rock albums like some fans are saying nor should people like it just because they took so long to release it. Its the new Tool album, and that's what it should remain as. -
Nick
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