When it comes to Mike Patton, I’m a superfan. This guy is one of the most brilliant artists of my generation. Patton’s unique songwriting and vocal abilities, combined with his oddball antics, produce catchy, yet strangely bizarre music, that takes the listener on a genre bending musical joyride. The unique signature he adds to each and every project he touches is truly the mark of a genius, and his loyal followers can never get enough. When the news came that he would be touring again with Tomahawk, I knew this was going to be something very special.
Led by ex-Jesus Lizard guitarist Duane Denison, and rounded out by former Helmet drummer John Stanier and former Mr. Bungle bass master Trevor Dunn, Tomahawk is currently touring in support of their brilliant new record, the appropriately titled Oddfellows. It’s a potent mix of punk, jazz, surf, pop, rock, and a dash of the un-categorizable—it’s my favorite record of 2013 so far.
When it comes to Tomahawk , there is simply no other band even remotely similar that is around today. I have spent a lot of time with the new record and this time around it’s a surprisingly very straight forward rock record. “Typhoon” has a real Dick Dale vibe going on, while my favorite track “White Hat/ Black Hats” is a full on juggernaut rock song with harmonies galore. The first single “Stone Letter” has a punk feel to it sounding like FNM crossed with the Dead Kennedys, while “Oddfellows” leans toward progressive ’70s rock in the vein of classic King Crimson.
The aforementioned were all featured in the set list minus “Typhoon,” which I thought would make an excellent closer since it’s the final song on the record. (Hint, hint.)
Other standouts in the set were the instant classic “South Paw,” featuring Patton’s already famous lyrics, “What’s that, you got some shit on your lip,” and “God Hates a Crowd” which is arguably the band’s finest moment.
Tomahawk will be on tour extensively for the rest of the year. Their new album Oddfellows is now available on vinyl and it sounds fantastic.
Were you at the either of the shows in San Francisco? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comment section below.
