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CartPuscifer "Donkey Punch the Night" Review — 5 out of 5 stars
Mon, 11 Feb 2013 07:39:23
Puscifer's brand new EP, Donkey Punch the Night, really does kick.
There's a "wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am" satisfaction that comes from the brevity of this fascinating, focused, and fiery seven-song collection. However, as always with singer Maynard James Keenan's musical, artistic, and visual collective, there's a whole lot to dig into if you open yourself up to the music.
Covers aren't easy. Don't let the fact that the song was already written fool you. Pre-existing templates don't make it easier. A song like Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" has decades of opinions and thoughts tied to it. There was even a Wayne's World rendition for Christ's sake. That's what an artist faces when tackling classic material. Keenan and company don't lose sight of the original, but they tastefully insert their own touch, effectively "donkey punching" the track into the 21st century. The singer's voice hits impressive heights as it becomes something of an orchestra in its own right. The man can still belt better than most, and the instrumental nuances expand the song flawlessly.
The original material stands out as some of Puscifer's best yet. "Breathe" trip hops into new territory with a slithering bass line and hulking drum beat. Keenan's near-whisper cascades into another transfixing hook. "Dear Brother" drops in the EP title right after quoting William Shakespeare. Keenan's like alternative music's Quentin Tarantino, pulling together cool cultural strands into his own wild, warped, and wonderful narrative. However, even that comparison doesn't do him justice. As with every Puscifer, Tool, and A Perfect Circle release, Keenan proves himself to be his own artist.
The group's take on Accept's "Balls to the Wall" brandishes stadium-size bombast filtered through electronic elegance. Hey, if you're going to Donkey Punch the Night, you've got to go "Balls to the Wall".
Psychedelically cool "reworks" of "Breathe" by Drumcell, "Dear Brother" by Denton, and "Balls to the Wall" by Silent Servant round out this whacky roller coaster ride. Once again, there's nobody out there quite like Puscifer. That's why this act is so essential. No one's got balls like they do…
—Rick Florino
02.11.13
See our feature where Rage Against the Machine, Metallica, Korn, Mastodon, and more talk Tool here!
Donkey Punch the Night is now streaming over at Spin. Check it out.
Puscifer will release the Donkey Punch the Night EP February 19, 2013. You have to get that. Go to the official site and follow Maynard on Twitter!
See our Top 20 Maynard James Keenan songs here!
What's your favorite Maynard James Keenan song?
