Tomahawk: Tonic Immobility LP

Tomahawk show up just when we need them. Now, a lot has changed since we first met them. Hell, a lot has changed since the last time we heard from them seven years ago! It doesn't matter though, because they've crept back just when things got really weird, and they're ready to put the "new" into "new normal" with – wait for it – new music. On their 20th anniversary, they finally return with their fifth full-length album, Tonic Immobility. The guys – guitarist Duane Denison [the Jesus Lizard, Unsemble], vocalist Mike Patton [Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Fantômas], drummer John Stanier [Helmet, Battles], and bassist Trevor "field mouse" Dunn [Mr. Bungle, Fantômas] – survey where they've come from only to leap ahead once more.

"Tonic Immobility is almost a summary of everything we've done," states Duane. "There are references to previous things spread throughout the album as well as new territory. On any of our albums, you'll find those faster, high energy, abrasive, and dissonant songs. You'll also find the slower, atmospheric, groove- and tension-based moments too. There's always been a touch of, dare I say, Latin music in the form of Bossa Nova or flamenco-influenced guitar. All of those things appear on this record."

The first single, "Business Casual" rides an ominous bass line and creaky palm-muting right into a clobbering hook managing to rhyme "bad cholesterol" and "business casual." The second single (but album finale) "Dog Eat Dog" bares its teeth with grinding guitar and off-kilter falsetto. "Predators and Scavengers" pounces with erratic riffing and another manic refrain based on Duane watching "bobcats, foxes, birds, chipmunks, and other creatures in the backyard." Then, there's "Doomsday Fatigue," which lassos together a Spaghetti Western-style soundscape and an eerily soothing refrain.