IN REVIEW: The Claypool Lennon Delirium - "Monolith of Phobos"

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Considering the two highest profile Les Claypool releases since Primus' comeback album in 2011 have been a bluegrass-tinged collection of cover songs and a Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory tribute LP, Claypool's new joint project (sure, pun intended, why not) with Sean Lennon marks the first album of original material by the extraordinary bassist in about five years. Monolith of Phobos is predictably psychedelic given the involved parties, but Claypool's quirky observations and Lennon's more worldly views add an interesting dimension, a dynamic that keeps the record from hammering away at the same nail. Most importantly, the duo (who played every note you hear on this record) is engaged and energetic throughout and sounds like they had a great time exploring the craft together, which makes all the difference on a collaborative effort such as this.

June 3, 2016 • ATO
Highlights The Cricket and the Genie • Mr. Wright • Boomerang Baby

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