Spearheaded by guitarists Ben Weinman (Dillinger Escape Plan) and Brent Hinds (Mastodon) with former Mars Volta drummer Thomas Pridgen, it's not surprising in the least that the debut album from Giraffe Tongue Orchestra leans toward prog/metal. What is surprising is how underwhelming it is. Nothing's outright terrible here, but I do get the nagging feeling throughout that the assembled players often aren't playing to their potential or, on some songs, somewhat miscast. Alice in Chains vocalist William DuVall gives it his best shot and performs admirably, but his style doesn't lend itself as well to this music as it does his main gig; I can't help but think many of these tracks would make more sense with, say, Greg Puciato singing. Considering most tracks end up sounding more like Dillinger Escape Plan than any other band, that may be low hanging fruit, but I'll pick it. Again, it's not a bad record, just one that with a slightly altered approach could have been much better.
September 23, 2016 • Party Smasher/Cooking Vinyl
Highlights
Crucifixion • Blood Moon • Back to the Light
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