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Rating: I quote Wikipedia "A Perfect Circle was formed in Los Angeles in 1996, initiated by Billy Howerdel after meeting Maynard James Keenan (already the frontman of Tool)."
Therefore, a truly respectable side project that deserves due attention.
Their debut album is aptly titled 'Mer de noms' (sea of names), and besides the stunning cover, it presents itself as a musically inspired and clever work. The melody throughout the CD borders on hypnosis. Is it due to Maynard’s voice or the atmosphere the instruments recreate? The fact is, the work is hypnotic.
If the music doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking in terms of innovation, you certainly cannot help but be captivated by the perfection of certain tracks. The lulling "Reholder", with its oriental nods and pure atmosphere. The driving opening track "The Hollow" features explosive guitar and drum work at very high tempos. In short, the album’s formula is very clear from the outset, excellent rock with a touch of melody. Notably, the outstanding "Thinking of you" starts slowly to end in a whirlwind of bass and drums, and the gentle "3 libras", with plenty of acoustic guitar and especially Maynard’s splendid voice.
However, the songs aren’t immediately catchy, and this is mainly where the flaw lies. Sometimes, the urge to skip a song arises because it’s too quickly deemed "boring." Nothing could be more wrong. Listen deeply, grasp the darker nuances of the album, and then listen again. Everything will become clear. A fantastic product, beautifully crafted in terms of sound and excellent atmosphere.
As far as we know, as of now, after two more albums ("Thirteen Steps" from 2003, and the cover album "Emotive" from 2004, released in protest on the same day as the American elections, the day when the one who now admits the war "isn't going very well" was re-elected for the second time, and the one who decided on the death of thousands of innocents and thousands of American soldiers), A Perfect Circle is on hiatus.
Let's hope this "hiatus" does not last too long.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Magdalena (04:15)
Overcome by your
Moving temple
Overcome by this
Holiest of altars
So pure
So rare
To witness such an earthly goddess
That I've lost my self control
Beyond compelled to throw this dollar down before your
Holiest of altars
I'd sell
My soul
My self-esteem a dollar at a time
One chance
One kiss
One taste of you my magdalena
I bear witness
To this place, this prayer, so long forgotten
So pure
So rare
To witness such an earthly goddess
That I'd sell
My soul
My self-esteem a dollar at a time
For one chance
One kiss
One taste of you my black madonna
I'd sell
My soul
My self-esteem a dollar at a time
One taste
One taste
One taste of you my Magdalena
02 Breña (04:03)
My reflection wraps and pulls me under
Healing waters to be
Bathed in Brena
Guide me safely in worlds I've never been to
Heal me, heal me
My dear Brena
Mull around
It's alright
Heal me, heal me
My dear Brena
Show me lonely and show me openings
To bring me closer to you
My dear Brena
Mull around
It's alright
Opening to
Heal
Opening to
Heal
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Other reviews
By Snegirev
"Maynard James Keenan describes the album as a feminine, intuitive process, contrasting with Tool's masculine, laborious approach."
"Electric guitar, voice, and violin coalesced in perfect eurythmy; the drums seemed a bit 'intrusive' to me."
By KiccoLSD1
"Love and desire are fundamental themes of this album, which strips off a moral guise to show their natural beauty and purity."
"The harsh critique of morality takes center stage in the song Judith: 'Fuck your God, your Lord, your Christ.'"
By StefanoHab
Mer De Noms is an album that must be listened to carefully to be fully understood and appreciated.
An enveloping and intense album that I can’t help but recommend to those who listen to music in the true sense of the word (with ears and heart).
