Mit Gas - Tomahawk

Jimmy Weasel - Thursday, 19 June 2003 - Print Version

Once again with the music up and the windows down, the latest thing to cause tinnitus is Tomahawk's newest album.

The album design is on the minimalist side. No liner notes or much text at all. The case is black, with a neat white title, and sparkling gold patterns everywhere. Such a stark contrast is also available right from track 1, where "birdsong" staples nature samples to some savagely malevolent bass.

This album is a rhythmic rollercoaster; each track different to the next (or previous) and contains changes within. Each song is also not without crazy twisting changes in tempo and tone. Mike Patton really has gone nuts on this one. And it feels as though he's in a contest with Les Claypool to see who can generate the most side projects; Devin Townsend watching to see what score he has to beat...

Snide remarks aside, this album really does hit the spot. It lasts for about 40 minutes, but I'm not sure if that includes the weird 'between' music that occurs between tracks and makes my counter go backward and really scares me. I wish the album was longer. I like long albums.

But I also like this one, however less than long. I like it's chaotic noisy feel. I like the crazed Patton vocals. I've seen Tomahawk live, and it was definitely a sight to behold. I'm trying to picture this album live but I'm not having much luck. I'll have to wait until Patton turns up in my town.

This album is recommended (highly) to people who like their music weirdly creative. Play it loud enough to interrupt your heartbeat.

Jimmy Weasel