Now a fully fledged Tool convert, it seemed logical I'd enjoy more of Maynard's voice, having grown so fond of his unique persona. A Perfect Circle was formed in union with guitarist Billy Howerdel, while Tool where in their prime and working on Lateralus. Mistakenly I though this was the bands debut, however Thirteenth Step is actually their sophomore which also features James Iha, formerly of The Smashing Pumpkins.
Parallels to Maynard's mainstay are all to easy to state. As a similar ensemble of Alternative Metal, its the later that recoils in the wake of acoustic guitar leads. Wailing and whirling in reverbs, its melodies brood on brown tones and cold shimmering aesthetics. A Gothic echo lingers as touches of Shoegaze noise and Ethereal atmosphere creates a distant emotive cry, often feeling sorrowful without empathy.
The music lingers on its textural flavors. Organic, progressive unravelings of nurtured tensions brew, occasionally sprouting into aggressive spurts. These lively floruishings, Its best moments, are what makes the record so disappointing. After drudging through overcast windy affairs of acoustic drabness, the excitement only seems to emerge upon the arrival of distortion guitars. These moments are etched in the Tool blueprint.
To name the few, Weak And Powerless, The Outside and Pet. All brilliant songs, yet do little to define A Perfect Circle. Everything else that does was simply to dull and aimless. Reasonable to have on in the background but after many listens I simply couldn't find anything deep to latch onto. I may give this journey up already.
Rating: 5/10