August 14 2007
Tomahawk — Anonymous
posted by Steven Shaw at 11:57 am
Tomahawk Anonymous – (Ipecac Recordings)
By David Skipwith
Tomahawk return with their third album Anonymous, blending their experimental alt-rock sound into interpretations of Native American songs from the early 20th century.
Now a three piece, guitarist Duane Denison (U.S.S.A ex-Jesus Lizard), drummer John Stanier (Battles, ex-Helmet) and vocalist Mike Patton (Peeping Tom, Fantomas) explore the darker, less accessible regions of indigenous music which has gone through history largely overlooked.
Guitarist Duane Denison developed an interest in Native American culture having spent time upon Indian reservations while touring with Hank Williams III. Expecting a great education in traditional Native music, Denison was disappointed to hear the conventional styles of blues and country had crept in. Bothered by this and other clichéd New Age representations of the culture’s music, Denison did some research and uncovered books dating back to Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency which contained transcribed “Indian Songs”, reinterpreted here on Anonymous. The album’s title references the many individuals who created the music yet who have gone through history unknown and uncredited.
My initial concerns for the appropriateness of such an album were quickly allayed as Tomahawk does an impressive job reworking these songs. Drawing upon such material, the album intrigues with its range of mood, atmosphere and emotion. At track 2 the bombastic “Mescal Rite 1″ makes confronting listening initially, yet the album unfolds with a clearly defined intent. Traditional beat patterns and rhythms remain, complemented with contemporary guitar and drum parts. Layered with Patton’s chanting and singing, his vocal range is perfectly suited to the task.
Typical of the album’s variation, “Red Fox” begins in a slow, eerie manner, yet gives way to a beat-driven sound reminiscent of Massive Attack’s “Karmacoma”. The moodier “Sun Dance” is another highlight, its trance-inducing bassline leading into a cacophony of guitar and drums with Patton’s vocals in full cry.
Duane Denison and John Stanier completed the guitar and drum pieces in Nashville while the prolific Patton did the vocals from San Francisco. Over thirteen tracks Tomahawk reaffirms both their connection with the Native American culture that provided their name and their place as one of rock’s more innovative groups.
- David Skipwith