Tomahawk - Tomahawk

I've written off Mike Patton and a lot of the projects he's done before, but I'm glad I took the time to stop and try to listen to Tomahawk. Yes, this is one of those "super groups" that seem to be so popular these days. The band consists of the legendary Mike Patton, Duane Denison from The Jesus Lizard, Kevin Rutmanis from the Melvins, and Helmet drummer John Stanier. But unlike other "super groups" this mixture of musicians seems to have produced a respectable result. I'd say if you couldn't swallow Mr. Bungle or Fantomas, but you liked Faith No More (i.e. "Angel Dust", "King For A Day/Fool For Life") you'd love this album. It's still classic Patton, but just stripped down and nothing but rock 'n roll. Songs like '101 North', 'Flashback', and 'Got Hates A Coward' are very haunting and will suck you in instantly. Other songs like 'Jockstrap', 'Sir Yes Sir', and 'Sweet Smell Of Success' will take a few listens, but once find their genius, you'll find yourself tracking back to listen again. In fact, most songs kind of have a hidden beauty you must uncover to enjoy. Once you find it, you'll enjoy this album from start to finish. Overall, the album has a very sinister mood and it's very perceptible through the musical arrangements and Patton's lyrical and vocal style. Probably my favorite track, 'Pop 1', sports the chorus, "This beat could win me a Grammy," screamed over and over. I guess I'm just attracted to the ego that Patton sports, not having much of one myself. Nevertheless, sometimes it takes a big ego to make good music and other times it gets in the way. It's nice to see that Mike Patton knows how to contain his and still manage to make great music all these years. It's a great album, but it seems like they go off in long tangents and then come back to incredible segments only for brief moments. I guess my tastes are just a little more straightforward to understand this album completely, but it still sits well in my ears. [www.ipecac.com]