Short Attention Span Review: Dead Cross

Short Attention Span Review: Dead Cross 

In fairness,  I should make my readers aware of the following tidbits:

1) Faith No More is my favorite band, and as such, there is little doubt that I would classify Mike Patton and the versatility and creativity that he brings to his vocals as the best things ever to happen to any microphone, anywhere.

2) I'm a diehard Slayer fan, and while I take nothing away from the band as a whole, I have stated on more than one occasison that if the band were to offer any album featuring Dave Lombardo as a drums-only release featuring his work on the skins alone, well, I would snatch that shit up in a hot minute.

So, this whole Dead Cross thing is a bit of a dream project as far as I'm concerned, and I want to make this clear as I obviously have a considerable bias at work as I sit down to write this review.  By the same token, these tidbits should denote a potent set of expectations regarding this latest release from the throbbing treasure chest of unruly sounds that is Ipecac Recordings.  As with anything one approaches with high hopes and a decided thirst, it was entirely possible that even a solid recording would have been a bit of a disappointment.  Yes, I listened to this album mere hours after it was released fully expecting to hear something noteworthy, and I'm very happy to report that I wasn't disappointeed.  In point of fact, Dead Cross has surpassed my expectations, and if there's a better way to spend 28 minutes listening to music, I'm not aware of it.  Most surprisingly, while Patton and Lombardo both rise to new heights and bejewel this stash of hardcore gold with the very best that they have to offer, it's the guitar work courtesy of Mike Crain (Retox) that really puts this sonic blitz over the top.   Justin Pearson (Retox, the Locust) also nails the bass parts for this brief but incredible descent into unbridled fury, but I was constantly amazed by the twists and turns that Crain threw down, thrashing and grinding his way through a guns-blazing assault on the eardrums that never fails to surprise or entertain.  Quirky, energetic, and brimming with tongue-in-cheek hostility, this is hardcore at its most enticing and inventive.  Dead Cross is a serious kick in the pants that should thrill any fan of exciting music in general, and those who are enamored with any of the participants will find everything they're hoping for and more.  Make no mistake, this is a fiery bundle of lunatic rage where 9 out of 10 songs come up short of 3 minutes in length, yet no stone is left unturned.  Standout tracks include every fucking one of them, no bullshit whatsoever, my friends.

Final Grade: A+ 

Buy this shit now!!!!!!!

Faith No More w/ Refused (7/31 - Raleigh, North Carolina)

 On Friday, 7/31, I had the privilege of catching Faith No More live at the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, North Carolina.  FNM is my favorite band and I had never seen them perform before, so this was a big show for me.  Bonus points: Refused was the opening band, and despite anything you may have heard about Refused being fucking dead, Refused is alive and well--and awesome.

Refused played a blistering set and then gave way for the band that has given my life an eclectic soundtrack since I reached the age of reason.  FNM has a reputation for killing it live, and on Friday, the 31st of July, they showed the good people of Raleigh, North Carolina that this reputation is well-deserved.  They seemed to be having a blast and they were positively amazing--this was definitely the best show I have ever been to.  Enjoy my pics and then scope out the epic--sorry, I couldn't resist--set list.

Set List
Motherfucker
Be Aggressive
Caffeine
Evidence
Epic
Sunny Side Up
Everything's Ruined
Midlife Crisis
A Small Victory
The Gentle Art of Making Enemies
Easy
Separation Anxiety
King For a Day
Ashes to Ashes
Superhero


Encore
Cone of Shame
We Care a Lot
Just a Man

Faith No More - Sol Invictus (Review + Track Notes)

Fans of artists who partner incredible talent with vision and a powerful need to think outside the box (that's a pretty short list, right?) can circle May 19 on their calendars.  That's when Sol Invictus arrives, and the first Faith No More album since 1997 is absolutely delightful.  It may have been a while since these alternative innovators have produced an album, but you wouldn't know that by listening to Sol Invictus.  This brief yet stirring smorgasbord of sound surely warrants a piece of premium real estate on the island of misfit records FNM has provided us with.  It's obvious that these guys have grown as musicians and yet it is amazing how in sync with their overall approach and their impressive catalog this release is. 

Faith No More is my favorite band and there was surely a point when, like most fans of this vastly underrated act, I didn't really think a reunion of any sort was ever going to happen.  Then they shocked us all by getting back together to play some shows, but most of the dates were on foriegn soil and there was no talk of another record.  Lo and behold, new songs began to emerge, and then there came a most blessed day when the band announced that they were going to create another sonic odyssey for the faithful (faithless?) to enjoy. 

If I were to say that I was eager to listen to Sol Invictus, well, that would be a bit of an understatement.  The first time I gave it a listen there were moments where my smile grew so wide that it was almost painful.  It was a joyous experience, truth be told, and some of the music is rather joyful--though much of it is tongue-in-cheek and there's enough cynicism sprinkled throughout to give the feel-good elements of Sol Invictus an edge.  These light and tender sounds frequently give way to some of the most forceful and jagged landscapes the band has created, and the range of material is pretty damn epic (forgive me).  A few days have passed and I have listened to Sol Invictus maybe a dozen times, but that estimate could be a bit low.  Who's counting?  One thing is certain: Faith No More is back and these lovable weirdos have dropped a fabulous album on us.

Final Grade: A+

Bonus Points: I'll be at the show in Raleigh on 7/31.
That's bucket list stuff, peeps!

 Track Notes

1. Sol Invictus - warm and incredibly rich, this is a perfect way to get things started

2. Superhero - fierce, fun, and very catchy

3. Sunny Side Up - maybe my favorite track on the album, this one is incredibly lighthearted with just a hint of malice to keep you on your toes

4. Separation Anxiety - this is probably the heaviest song on Sol Invictus and it is one hell of a rollicking ride

5. Cone of Shame - there's something a little spooky about this slow burn with a thrilling transition and Patton at his most metal

6. Rise of the Fall - this is one of those trademark "impossible to classify yet incredibly groovy" gems that have made FNM such trendsetters

7. Black Friday - take my thoughts on "Rise of the Fall" and multiply by 2

8. Motherfucker - the first single that the band released for Sol Invictus (only Faith No More would release a single called "Motherfucker" to promote an album that legions of fans have been waiting nearly two decades for) aims to take my thoughts on "Rise of the Fall" and multiply by 10--seriously, it's one of the coolest and most bizarre songs that these guys have ever created

9. Matador - my bad, "Sunny Side Up," "Matador" is probably my favorite track on the album--it's incredible, it's kind of operatic when it isn't too busy being totally badass, and it allows everyone in the band ample opportunity to shine

10. From the Dead - the title may not make it sound like a soft and gentle way to close out a marvelous album with the sort of diversity that one doesn't expect from any band but FNM, but that's just what it is

Are FNM back and better than ever?  Well, they're back and they're as good as ever.
Honestly, with their eclectic output, ranking their albums is a bit of a fool's errand.

Faith No More: New Album/Top 5 Songs

They're back!

I am so stoked for this new Faith No More album coming in May that it's ridiculous.  FNM is my favorite band and while I spent years hoping for a reunion, I really didn't think it would happen.  Then they reunited a few years ago to tour, refused to play a show anywhere near me, and swore that there would be no new material.  Bummer.  Yet here we are, just a couple of months away from the release of their new album, Sol Invictus.  Two killer tracks have already been released and it sounds like the band still has the ability to throw down some vicious rock while taking their sound in strange and unique directions.  Many seem to prefer "Superhero" to "Motherfucker," and while I like them both I do believe that I'm a bit more infatuated with the latter.  When the album hits, I'll be sure to provide a review after I take a day off from life to immerse myself in it. 

Until then, I wanted to provide you with this link to a "Top 5 Faith No More Songs" piece I did for RVA Magazine back in 2010. 

And, for those who haven't heard the new stuff:

Motherfucker

Superhero

Faith No More to release Sol Invictus on May 19

Alternative rock titans Faith No More are poised to release their first album since 1997 and we finally have a date and a title for the record.  On May 19, the quixotic outfit from San Francisco will drop Sol Invictus.  The album is preceded by the unruly single "Motherfucker," which is currently available and incredibly cool.  There are rumors that a second single titled either "Superhero" or "Leader of Men" will be made available in March. 

Additionally, the band has scheduled the following U.S. tour dates:

April 16 - Seattle, WA - Paramount Theater

April 17 - Portland, OR - Keller Auditorium

April 19 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield

April 20 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield

April 23 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern

April 24 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern

April 25 - Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory

May 7 - Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall

May 8 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore

May 11 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre

May 13 - New York, NY - Webster Hall

May 14 - New York, NY - Webster Hall

May 15 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory

However, don't get your hopes up--those shows all sold out pretty much as soon as tickets became available.  Fortunately, the band insists that additional U.S. shows will be scheduled, and given the response we can hope for lots of them. 

Tiny Gamer, Splendid Wife

So, my beloved wife hooked me up with WWE 13 tonight, and it's looking they've finally gotten it right again.  In my opinion, the last truly epic wrestling game was Wrestlemania 2000, but I'm a Jerichoholic, so take that for what it's worth.  That's not my point anyway.  My point is WWE 13 seems like a real winner.
I love the so-called "Attitude Era" of professional wrestling, and the way THQ has married archive footage and audio to gameplay scenarios is a great idea.  It's a nostalgic treat for old fans like myself, and it'll be like a history lesson for the younger fans.
I'm just getting started, but the graphics are sharp, the presentation is crisp, and the gameplay is stellar.  I think this is going to be a late night and I think it's safe to call WWE 13 a hit.
But you don't have to take my word for it.  Check out my main man, Ash. 

 

He thinks it's a terrific game.  He made some tiny little man sounds to that effect
.
Also, I should note that this spectacular wife of mine, who did indeed score WWE 13 for me tonight, also scored me Van Halen tickets for our anniversary.

And, I should also point out that this same woman also got me tickets to see the Seattle defense beat up the Panthers.

She's a marvel and a blessing, and I'm so very thrilled to call her mine.  She's going to have a hard time topping 2012, that's for sure.
I think she's going to need FNM to pitch in and do a legitimate U.S. tour to pull it off.