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PUSCIFER – CONDITIONS OF MY PAROLE (9)
Taking time from his hectic wine-making schedule, Tool frontman come demigod – James Maynard Keenan – delivers unto us another beautifully bizarre offering from his highly praised side project Puscifer.
'Conditions of My Parole' contrasts  from it's predecessor ‘V is for Vagina’ somewhat. Here we are given a stripped-back approach that focuses more on melody and bitter-sweet harmonies rather than abstract ideals of industrial rocking. Maynard excels, as always, as a band leader boasting an impressive rogue gallery of musicians contributing their skills. It's a roster consisting of members from The Mars Volta, Primus and Nine inch Nails, to name but a few. Together, they treat us to a sincerely crafted and texturally rich delve into the warped humour of Puscifer.
Giving a 'less is more' impression, there is a noticeably minimalist approach here, most songs are stripped to the bare essentials, allowing Keenan to drive the tracks with his effortlessly brilliant vocal abilities. Although never producing anything ground-breaking in that regard, it's his subtlety that bowls you over – whether it's the heart wrenching, melancholic melodies or his tongue-in-cheek lyrical style – it's Keenan that keeps you invested. And rightly so.
Some may find disappointment in finding this doesn’t even come close to the work Maynard has done with Tool, after all, his main project can't be praised enough. But that isn’t the point of ‘Conditions of my Parole’. This stands not only as a fantastic album but a career highpoint and a worthwhile indulgence for any fan.
Reviewed by Joseph Holyome
Conditions of my Parole is out now on Puscifer Entertainment
You’ll like this if… You like you think Michelangelo’s David might be improved with addition of a clown nose
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