Promising release from the reclusive Paul of Love...
Joshua Chandler | Springfield, MO USA | 09/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After Tool's 1993 opus Undertow--propelled far forward with the help of Paul d'Amour's crunchy, post-Chris Squire bass playing--the bassist left the band amicably in 1995 and receded into less famous (but equally good) projects, totally disappearing from popular music soon after. His evanescence seems somewhat inexplicable in spite of his indie-like, self-deprecating attitude... His contribution to Tool's sound was big enough that he could easily "ridden the wave" on that piece of resume alone, for many years.
Finally we hear from him again with this EP. The project draws its name from one of Iain M. Banks's literary monstrosities, titled Feersum Enndjin (with a "d" here), and the songs take inspiration from the book. Tracks like "Lines" and "Dragon" are the sort of fare you might expect from d'Amour, both definitely hinting at elements from each of the projects he has previously been involved in, yet the electro-rock feel he generates is perhaps a few years fresher. Other songs such as "Solid Gold" and "U-Boats" see more of a new side of d'Amour's songwriting come out, something that is a little more influenced by bands like Lusk and Failure than Tool. "Thin Air" plays the album out, a sonic disappearing act. Unfortunately it seems to foreshadow d'Amour's trend to go back into hiding; not long after this EP's release, that's exactly what he did.
A little nugget of goodness for years of waiting is hard to sustain much of a fan base, but nonetheless this is a great work that any fan of Paul d'Amour's work really needs to check out. It's not as heavy on crunchy bass as you might hope, but it definitely rocks, both powerfully and intelligently. Check this out, and cross your fingers that d'Amour will resurface again, and soon..."
Pretty good Rock/Electronic.
One World | Denver, CO USA | 07/09/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Don't let the "eletronic" elements scare you away. This is not dance or new age. This is a blend of Rock and Electronic, with Rock being the main ingredient.
Ex-Tool member Paul D'Amour is the main one behind this, so fans of Tool should check into this. I enjoyed this as it was not screaming and overly harsh playing... but then again, Tool was not that way but they are considered Metal.
This is a 5 song ep and the songs are:
Lines
Solid Gold
U-Boats
Dragon
Thin Air"
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1