lambchops's Full Review: Thirteenth Step by A Perfect Circle
When a man whom you’ve come to expect the best out of doesn’t deliver the goods, listeners are even more disappointed. Such is the case with Maynard James Keenan of both Tool and A Perfect Circle fame.
In the matter of less than a decade, Keenan has proven beyond any reasonable doubt that he—along with his bandmates—is capable of making excellent alt-metal-industrial. Tool’s style was unique and the extension of that style as seen in A Perfect Circle’s 2000 debut Mer de Noms. Of course there are differences. Tool is unquestionably dark and when set to video definitely sinister. A Perfect Circle utilizes the talent of Billy Howerdel while still relying heavily on Keenan’s groaning posture. Most of the time this more melodic incarnation works well—but there are exceptions.
One such exception is A Perfect Circle’s recent release Thirteenth Step. I went into wanting/owning/listening to the disc in hopes of something amazing having already been sufficiently impressed by single Weak and Powerless. But I’m incredibly bitter about the whole state of rock and I am always craving something that will shake things up. Thirteenth Step is unfortunately not that special something. Instead what Keenan and company give is a moderately decent record with precious few genuinely memorable moments. The “company” is a revolving door of cohorts, this time including Keenan, Howerdel, James Iha (guitarist, Smashing Pumpkins), Jeordie Osborne White (bass), and John Freese (percussion, various bands).
Thirteenth Step is purported to be a darker more ambient turn for APC. And while I do feel the band’s urgency and emotion, I can’t help but feel slighted by the triteness of the record. I don’t mean that as a knock, rather it feels very much like an all-star outing complete with clashing egos and style. Cohesion is definitely lacking here, even if at the same time I appreciate A Perfect Circle’s attempt at a hard-hitting rock album. The first indication that trouble is on the horizon is on opener The Package--a song that starts with discordant rim taps and a lightly plucked guitar. The song is certainly meant as some kind of opus (especially considering the length), but it takes too long to wind up for my tastes. Keenan sounds great—but that much is a given. The song on the other hand is disappointing.
I’ve already mentioned that I was drawn to Thirteenth Step by Weak and Powerless. Funny that, especially considering I am very much reminded of Tool on the song but with less distortion and a hair more melody. A mid-tempo rocker, it is clear that Keenan and company (and the record label) were intelligent in the decision to release this as the leading single. Weak and Powerless is aurally pleasing, perfectly timed, and flawlessly recorded. If all of Thirteenth Step was like this I’d be overjoyed…but it’s not.
Of course there are other moments that sparkle with inspiration. The general theme of the disc is of hopelessness, pain, dehumanization, and loss—all typical emotions of the kind of music and the crowd to which it appeals (including me). Aside from that aforementioned single, APC hits home on a few other occasions. Lullaby, featuring experimental vocalist Jarboe, is a hauntingly gorgeous not to mention atmospheric track. Simple, yet elegant it showcases the band’s occasional ear for trying new things. It doesn’t necessarily fit well into the overall album, but then again I can’t say that I think much of it fits together well at all.
The Nurse Who Loved Me is a different thing entirely. A striking combination of heavy metal and an ethereal, almost orchestral melody it once again portrays the band in an entirely different light. And while the song itself is smooth and lovely, it also seems to rest upon the edge of some great gorge—as I listen I anticipate it careening over the edge. Yet, APC manages to control any urge to go in that direction. Other songs worthy of mention are Blue, Vanishing, and the mid-tempo rocker The Outsider.
Thirteenth Step seems like the work of a band eager to try new things but still unable to grasp exactly what it is they yearn to accomplish. The confusion I feel emanating from the album isn’t so much a reflection of the quality of songs as much as a lack of direction and fake seriousness of the whole thing. Even the songs that don’t strike me as great are still fine—I’m just not on the whole particularly impressed by the whole thing. But with that said, I can’t help but give props to Keenan for his flawless vocals and vision and to Billy Howerdel for his production and guitar work. Good but not great album, recommended conditionally.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. The Package
02. Weak and Powerless
03. The Noose
04. Blue
05. Vanishing
06. A Stranger
07. The Outsider
08. Crimes
09. The Nurse Who Loved Me
10. Pet
11. Lullaby
12. Gravity
Virgin recording group A Perfect Circle has concluded a half-year creative process of emotional soul-searching with the completion of their much-antic...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.