Puscifer Prove "A" is for Accomplishment

The most important thing to do when listening to a Puscifer record is to throw away everything you think you know about Maynard James Keenan. Clear your mind of his previous musical output and simply listen. Known for his vocal talents as the lead singer for Tool and A Perfect Circle, Maynard has grown quite a reputation (whether you agree or not) as one of the greatest voices of our generation. Somber, powerful, and brooding, there is an ever present emotional heaviness to his lyricism that must be draining on tour; night after night of re-opening personal emotional wounds. Searching for an outlet to simply have a good time with friends, making music without taking themselves too seriously, Maynard formed Puscifer, a “solo” project (named after his band from the premiere episode of Mr. Show) with a rotating cast of friends including Milla Jovovich, Tim Alexander (Primus/Into The Presence), Lustmord, Josh Eustis (Telefon Tel Aviv/Black Light Burns), Gil Sharone (ex-Dillinger Escape Plan), and many more. “V” Is For Vagina, their debut album was a declaration in the bands overly sexualized, tongue-n-cheek sense of humor. With the majority of the record featuring hip-hop/dance based rhythms, Maynard singing songs about asses and boners, and a dark industrial meets R&B style, many of Maynard’s legions of fans were left scratching their heads. He has always been known to have a keen sense of humor, but the world in 2007 wasn’t expecting what Puscifer was offering. The album was certainly not without promise, containing several incredible tracks, and what suspicion of the project’s future certainly sparked interest. Fast forward two short years later and there has been a remix album (“V” Is For Viagra), a dub album (“D” Is For Dubby), Vegas and Los Angeles variety shows, and a full blown west coast tour.


Touring seems to have inspired what is sounding more and more like a solidified “real band”, releasing the digital only EP entitled “C” is For (Please Insert Sophomoric Genitalia Reference Here) with very little fanfare. While the method of release, and ridiculous cover art, is casual and understated, the music on the other hand, shows the band moving in a new, darker, and ultimately more serious direction. Drawing from the “hits” of the debut rather than the “misses,” it would appear Maynard is out to prove Puscifer can hang in the same circles as his previously established bands. Comprised of four originals (two of which are “mixes,” but not in the traditional sense) and two live tracks, this 29 minute EP is short, but ultimately very strong.



Opening with the dim sonic warmth of “Polar Bear,” the album only requires several seconds to see Maynard is taking things a bit more serious this time around. His voice is sharp and seductive as it glistens in the foggy atmosphere, sidestepping from the dance floor, for a beautiful contortion of industrial and ambient textures. If for just a fleeting moment Puscifer felt they had something to prove, they have done so in true jaw dropping fashion. Lead single “The Mission (M is for Milla Mix),” is more derivative of the debut, with a grooving dance rhythm and chic gangster bravado courtesy of the beautiful actress/singer Milla Jovovich. Wavering samples of “what do you know?” swirl, and Maynard opens with the lyrics, “the birds and the bees got wise to the lies, so they took to the trees and took to the skies”. Jovovich takes lead vocals as the chorus approaches, offering lines like “it’s all fire and brimstone baby, so let’s go outside” and “dropping bombs from above, cut you all down to size / cuz they’re hip to the bull and they’re hip to the lies”. Offering raspy thug charm, Jovovich evokes the pop-craft of MIA with catchy melodies and quick memorable lyrics while Danny Lohner (ex-NIN) handles the digital programming and Maynard provides the lush harmony.

“Momma Sed (Alive at Club Nokia)” and “Vagina Mine (Alive at Club Nokia)” are taken from the band’s initial forays into live music, and prove touring to have generous effects on the overall sound. Choosing two of the more accessible tracks from the debut, the live performances are a stunning display of musicianship and texturing washed in orchestrated tension, slowly unwinding with delicate precision. “Momma Sed,” originally written with Rage Against The Machine’s severally underrated rhythm section of Brad Wilk and Tim Cummorford, is the dazzling centerpiece of the EP, centered around Maynard’s impressive vocal range and control. Meditative beauty floats through his vocals, which resonant beautifully for a live performance. Duel drumming from Gil Sharone and Tim Alexander pushes each other to great results in what is yet another showing of exceptional drummers backing Mr. Keenan. On “Vagina Mine” reverberating guitars slowly rise together towards an unforgiving crescendo, joined by the tight rhythm section courtesy of Alexander and Ashes Divide’s Jeff Freidl (drums) and Matt McJunkins (bass). “Potions (Deliverance Mix)” is something many people have been eagerly awaiting for a very long time now, collaboration between Maynard and Trent Reznor. While Reznor isn’t credited having performed on the song, he is listed as one of the writers, and is immediately noticeable in the bouncing synth landscape. To everyone hoping this track would sound like Maynard singing over an unreleased Nine Inch Nails instrumental, there is great news… it does. The general mood of Puscifer has certainly over gone a transformation, “The Humbling River” is prime example, sounding just as personal and emotionally taxing as ever. Deep drums and mystic lyrical imagery bring to mind the somber yearn of “Wings for Marie,” creating an all encompassing aura that tugs from within. In case things weren’t personal enough, Maynard’s son, Devo Keenan joins in to harmonize on the songs second hook.


Puscifer are not meant to be a replacement for Tool, and shouldn’t be listened to with those expectations. “C” Is For… demonstrates the band can stand on its own until the day comes for the next record from Maynard’s “day job”. If you still aren’t convinced of the strength Puscifer possesses, maybe it’s just not for you, but when all is said and done… AEnima isn’t going anywhere. A fantastic EP from one of the greatest rock star minds our generation has known.