Tomahawk, the alternative/experimental rock supergroup, after a ten-year hiatus, are on the road again to promote their fourth album, Oddfellows.
The band is known for its eclectic and experimental style; however, unlike most supergroups who disappear into oblivion after an album or two, Tomahawk have produced a rich and varied catalogue of music since their inception 13 years ago. Despite the long distances seperating the band members (Berlin, New York and Tennessee), their busy schedules, and also their varied styles, Tomahawk’s latest album sounds like the product of a band that rehearse together every day!
This would not be possible without the band’s guitarist Duane Denison (formerly of Jesus Lizard) – he is the glue that binds Tomahawk together and gives them direction. He records demos and samples before sending them off to each band member so they can add their own unique touch to the final product. This works surprisingly well if you consider the broad range of influences each band member brings to the table. For example, the band’s newest recruit, bassist Trevor Dunn, formerly of Mr Bungle and Fantomas, has most recently worked in jazz ensembles.
Rather than detracting from the sound however, the band’s musical versatility is a function of each member’s range, which in combination often surpasses each band member’s usual repertoire. In addition to the role Denison plays, the ‘finished’, dynamic feel of Tomahawk’s new album is a testament to each band member’s individual pedigree and professionalism (hence the supergroup label). The band is fronted by former Mr Bungle and Faith No More singer and keyboardist Mike Patton, who according to the New York Times “is the main font of eccentricity in any band he touches”, while the animated and skillful John Stanier was the drummer for Helmet.
“Patton sings everything from shrieking hardcore to opera, and his Tomahawk work falls in between those poles,” the Boston Globe reported. “Denison likewise experiments with tones and textures in his playing, and Stanier can both drive a song with a pounding rhythm and make it list with an off-kilter beat.”
Tomahawk’s new album was released in January on Patton’s own record label, Ipecac Recordings. According to Denison, Oddfellows, recorded at a studio owned by Black Keys guitarist Dave Auerbach in Nashville, is a more straightforward rock album in contrast to their previous efforts.
“There’s no quirky weirdness, it’s very straightforward for us,” Denison told Rolling Stone. “The heavy stuff is as dark and heavy as anything we’ve ever done, but then there’s a lighter edge to it. There’s almost like this weird, upbeat sound, what I call ‘heavy pop’.” Comparisons can be made to 1970s hard-rock groups such as The Blue Oyster Cult.
Tomahawk’s long-awaited return tour has taken the band up the east coast of the US, before hopping the pond to support Nine Inch Nails in Milan. They also played at the Zurich Open Air Festival where they received rave reviews. The band’s concerts thus far have featured a range of music pulled from the band’s archives mixed in with newer stuff. Denison says audiences have been clamouring for older songs; however, he is positive about the future. “Eventually, a couple of years from now, people will cheer for Oddfellows too,” he explained to the Boston Globe.
For your opportunity to witness a truly captivating stage performance by a group of seasoned pros doing what they do best, head to Vega on Saturday. You never know, it might be another ten years before your next chance!
Tomahawk
Vega,
Enghavevej 40, Cph V;
Sat 20:00;
Tickets: 305kr,
www.billetnet.dk
