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Tomahawk Will Carry on Faith No More's Legacy

Troy Polidori | Tujunga, CA United States | 11/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mike Patton didn't lie when he said that Tomahawk would carry on the legacy of Faith No More. I thought there was no way that any band, no matter how talented, could come close to matching what Faith No More did; especially with just one album; but Tomahawk has. After hearing "Flashback", I couldn't say I was overly impressed. It has some great speed changes, but overall doesn't match up to the rest of the album. "101 North" absolutely blew me away. Duane Denison's, of Jesus Lizard, indie rock riffery fits perfectly with Patton's deep throated whispers. Patton's maniacal vocal-style changes are just as good as ever. "Point and Click" introduces us to Kevin Rutmanis', of The Melvins and Cows, catchy licks. "God Hates a Coward" builds up amazingly with Duane, Kevin, and Mike working together perfectly. It then enters the beautiful chorus of Mike's dark whispers. Duane, who wrote most if not all of the album, decides to pull a trickster move. The first four songs were, for the most part, upbeat and hard. This is when I would expect a slow rock ballad. "POP 1" did not fulfill my suspicions. Starting out sounding exactly what I expected it to sound like, it then popped out a bass intro. Then, like a sweeping tornado, came a heavy load of blistering screams, thrashy riffs, and pounding drums. I couldn't help but laugh when I figured out what Patton was screaming. Referring to the dull and boring mainstream music of today, he screams "This beat could win me a Grammy!". "Sweet Smell of Sucess" then satisfies my extreme thirst for a mellow song. "Sir Yes Sir" enters with Patton's trademark guttural vocals that, as usual, lead to an agrresive chorus containing beautifully crafted screams (yes, its possible) and even more beautifully crafted high notes. "Jockstrap" is by far the catchiest song on the album (it does the finger snapping for you). "Jockstrap, you rap; G-string, I sing", Patton strangely sings, while backed up by three musicians that sound like they have been working together for years. "Cul de Sac" is simply an outcome of all of these musicians quirkyness. "Malocchio" enters with a vengeance with a couple of screams. Patton shows off some New Wave styled vocals mixed with his deep-throated usuals; backed up by the heaviest riffs on the album. Patton gives one of his best performinces on "Laredo". He twists from high notes to dark throaty whispers with incredible ease. You will be singing "The cats in the bag and the bags in the river" in no time. The only possible minimal complaint I could possess would be that Tomahawk isn't extremely original. But that would be quickly discounted, because Patton said that Tomahawk is supposed to carry on the legacy of the late Faith No More. This album not only solidifies the genius that is Mike Patton, but also the ingenious of everyone he surrounds himself with. This all comes down to a simple, four word conclusion. Album of the Year."

Point And Click

PolesApart | Massachusetts | 02/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What people don't seem to realize is that Patton knows exactly what he is doing at all times. It doesn't matter if his style changes dramatically because that is what he is all about! He is about proving to all of the meatballs out there that he can do whatever the hell he wants to do, and can do it just as well if not ten times better than anyone who picks a single genre of music and sticks to it. I can listen to everything he has ever taken part in - even the weird stuff like Maldoror - because I trust him. You should too - you'll be in good hands. Tomahawk's self titled debut is some of the most original stuff I've ever heard - and hes not afraid to sing nicely along with his gruff and spastic voice. The band backing him is equally amazing as always - Patton wouldn't work with crap players. Tomahawk is mainly guitarist Duane Denison's band, and he is prodigal as well. Some of my favorites include "Point and CLick", "Pop1" and "101 North". If you're not an ignorant, one-sided meathead, you WILL like this album."

Put Simply - A Damn Fine Rock Album

Sophie Earp-Fulton | Melbourne, Australia | 03/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Funnily enough, I actually got this after I got Mit Gas (Tomahawk's second album) and, upon first listen, I admit it didn't really do it for me. However (as you can see from my oh-so-rare 5-star rating) I persisted with it and it grew on me. Oh boy, did it ever. I can safely say that there's not a single song on it that I don't like. Occasionally I might not be in the mood for a certain track, but that's me and not the album.
A few people have mentioned to me that they've been unable to make the transition from other Patton projects (namely Faith No More and Mr. Bungle) into the more recent stuff. I can understand how some would have difficulty listening to Maldoror and Fantomas, but Tomahawk's a totally different kettle of fish.
That's like comparing jazz to a kiwifruit.
Denison's music (whilst not extremely complex or all that original in itself) is married perfectly with Patton's twisted lyrics and powerful vocals. This is meant to be played at a loud volume and hopefully you'll get on your neighbour's bad side by doing so.
Also, as a side note, I REALLY like the artwork on both the Tomahawk albums, but especially on this one.
See them live if you can, they sound awesome in the flesh. If you can't, buy their albums and hope there's more to come."