Puscifer - V is for Vagina

Album Review: Puscifer - V is for Vagina

Written by Chris Goodson

March 15, 2008

Puscifer (the artist collective helmed by Maynard James Keenan (Tool/A Perfect Circle)'s, Latest album "V is for Vagina" comes in the form of a circus like mix of sounds and vocals, not knowing exactly what you are listening to is part of its charm, but its definitely 100% a Maynard mind fuck. Puscifer "V is for Vagina" by Chris Goodson What could I possibly add about this crazy ass album that hasn't already been mulled over and dissected by every alleged critic under the sun? I am sure the joke is on us for even attempting to classify and interpret "V is for Vagina." Maynard's latest seems like the product of an orgy involving "Mike Patton," "Captain Beefheart," and "They Might Be Giants." At first I thought that the concept of the album was just a big "fuck you" to the intelligentsia that hangs onto Maynard's every word, and some ways I feel it is. But it also works, in a very weird way. If A Perfect Circle was Maynard's feminine side, and Tool is obviously the more aggressive male side, then Puscifer, is the inner child. The album has a lot of inconsistencies and plays like a hallucinatory carnival ride that is both violating and thrilling, at times. "Queen B" generally sets the tone for melodic, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and experimentation. Though not exactly probing the depths, it is still a fun track to gear up the album. "Dozo" plays like a Morricone-esque segue (worker bee elevator music?) that introduces "Vagina Mine," the real standout track. The lyricism and beat stay in your head and we finally get to push a little deeper into this interesting project. "Mama Sed" also strives to add harmony with a beautiful chorus. "Drunk with Power" plays like a lull of elementary babble that will probably frustrate most. "The Undertaker" is the closest thing to an actual rock n' roll song on this album and is damn good in its own right. But alas, all good things must end. "Trekka" is another process song (like Dozo) which plays a repetitive mantra and proceeds to again fuck up the flow. "Indigo Children" turns it around a little, but is again all about looping lyrics and setting a tone of random repeating syllables like a mantra. One of the best songs on this album, however is, "Sour Grapes." The trance like quality is both catchy and surreal, as it explores the bastard preacher side of Maynard. The chorus manages a Southern Gothic feel that is awkward but very entrancing. Unfortunately, another redundant and unnecessary version of "Rev 22:20" closes out the album. It seems like it is just there to flesh out the rather short running time. In fact the album only runs about 49 minutes and with half a dozen tracks dedicated to funky little jam mantra's, that don't really even feel like they fit in the album, it feels even shorter. Of course the joke could be that none of this material can or should be taken seriously. If the sarcasm wasn't evident from the packaging, then the song titles should tip off the less observant viewer. For all the flaws "V is for Vagina" is a bizarre concept album that may take a few listens to really appreciate, but it is worth the effort. Despite the thematic incoherence and often annoying quasi-songs, the real magic behind this album is that it is a mixed bag of haunting, hilarious and just plain weird tracks. It is unpretentious and full of plenty piss and vinegar, and doesn't give a fuck what you think. These qualities are what make it a one of a kind. Give it a try; at least Frank Zappa would be proud. For more information please visit www.puscifer.com and if you like "V is for Vagina" be on the lookout for the Remix album out April 29th entitled "V is for Viagra: The Vagina Remixes" Tracklisting is: 1. Indigo Children "JLE Dub" mix by Josh Eustis (Telefon Televiv) 2. Trekka "Desert Porn" mix by Lustmord 3. Momma Sed "Tandimonium" mix by Dave "Rave" Ogilvie and Colin Janz 4. Sour Grapes "Late for Dinner" mix by Danny Lohner (NIN, Renholder) 5. Cuntry Boner "Dirty Robot"mix by Mat Mitchell and Contradicktator (QOTSA, APC, Enemy) 6. Drunk With Power "Hungover and Hostile in Hannover" mix by Joey Jordison (Slipknot) 7. Vagina Mine "Deflowering" mix by Paul Barker (Ministry, U.S.S.A.) 8. Trekka "The Great Unwashed" mix by Aaron Turner (ISIS) 9. Queen B. "Glitched and Bent" mix by Richard Devine 10. DoZo "Guns for Hire" mix by Lustmord 11. Queen B. "Narcovice" mix radio edit by Michael Patterson 12. PSR 13. Cuntry Boner "Disco Viagra" mix by 8mm Originally Posted at: http://iesb.net/audiofrequency/content/view/435/