Kids, and critics: "deep" and "weird" are not always interchangeable). He's 'raw'- but little in the way of thought-provoking concepts or meaningful depth (hey The often highly-regarded lyrics have a self-Ĭonsumed, tortured poetic pose- peppered with some naughty words to prove that Mainly a one-trick pony, going from a flat almost-speaking tone to a ragged, swooping I can discern more shades of expression now in Maynard's voice, but it is still If you've heard one of their songs, you know exactly what to expect from every other Unfortunately (for me, if notįor TOOL fans) that specific sound is really all there is to the band- it's an old cliche, but Nobody else really sounds like them, and they are not obviouslyĭerivative, which logically should result in a unique sound. Predictably, it sounds a little more dated than it did in '93 but also a lot more raw than I Passage of a decade had done to my impression of the album. Being in aĬonstant state of self-doubt, I decided to dust off ol' "Undertow" and see what the TOOL to be, if not an official prog band, at least a decent modern simile. Meanwhile, I was rediscovering my teenage loveįor progressive rock, and was surprised to discover that many prog fans considered TOOL (along withįellow creepers RADIOHEAD) successfully rode the wake of this current, refining andĮxploring their more individual sound new fans flocked to the sound while old fansĪlmost never had cause to lose faith. Popularity and threw in a smattering of suburban white hip-hop. Hundred other bands) took the heaviness straight from METALLICA's unexpected MTV Territory that the 'alternative' music had cleared. So then ten years passed, and the 'nu-metal' movement increasingly claimed the Give me anything I hadn't heard other bands do with better results. Seemed lacking in variety, and the playing- while well beyond reproach- didn't really It seemed quite similar from song to song, the vocals Personally, after listening to the album several times in itsĮntirety, I felt a bit let down. It too, which surprised me as they were generally suspicious of anything with the School (no coincidence that there's a Rollins connection). Than any distinctiveness of the music, and Maynard took his cue from the 'smartpunk' Made sense- a lot of the punk bands survived solely on their shouted message rather A number of my hardcore punk friends liked the lyrics, which "Sober" got my interest (and a lot of airplay), and the albumīecame a minor sensation. Each band didĭifferent things with heavy guitars, tight and tricky rhythm sections, and immediately SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, and NOMEANSNO- pretty serious competition. "Undertow" came to me when I was doing college radio, and I first played "Sober" inĪ heavy set that also featured PRIMUS, JANE'S ADDICTION, SOUNDGARDEN, Songs could be seen at the top of the charts- a welcome relief for many who during theĨ0s had to settle for metal and/ or go underground for music with a little moreīite. Seattle bands to SMASHING PUMPKINS to NINE INCH NAILS, heavy and often angry The early 90s were a time in music when the long-dismissed threads of punk and metalįinally achieved a more accepted prominence in the popular music scene. Posted Sunday, J| Review this album | Report (Review #31747) Undertow is more for tool fans but for those starting off to listen to them i would recommend "aenima" and "lateralus" first. It doesn't drag down the album or make it better really. "Disgustipated" is a lengthy tag along which includes sounds of crickets and recitals from the bible and is a percular track. These tracks continue to show off the faultless musicianship that the band have built up. Title track is a real wonder on this album along with "flood" and "four degrees". "Bottom" features Henry Rollins to help out on vocals and is an interesting and lengthy song. Told by some of Maynards most powerful vocals and this is musically incredible. "Sober" is a masterpiece and the best song on the album, lyrics about Jesus are Lyrics "sh!t, blood and cum on my hands", and shows a more energetic yet melodic side to "Prisonsex" has a funky siberian khatru style intro that leads into revolting The opening track is a good way of kicking things off and easily pulls you into Adam Jones is able to show off his excellent guitar skills and the drumming here Maynard James Keenan's vocals are excellent on this albumĪnd show sorrow and anger as he switched between agonising screams and beautiful The band started to settle for lengthier piecesĪnd more epic soundscapes. The album shows aĬlear improvement in sound and production. Undertow is tool's first full length album after 1992's debut "Opiate" EP.
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