Undertow - Tool

Advantages: Something different
Disadvantages: Rather bleak

...I think it's fair to say before I start to review this CD that yes, I am one of the biggest Tool fans on the planet and that I am fully aware that not all their music appeals to everyone yet with every CD they release they take a different direction. 'Undertow', released in 1993 was Tools first full length album has a distinctly grunge sound to it. Although in my opinion it is not their greatest album still I find it superior to many other bands from the same time. The album kicks off with 'Intolerance' an upbeat song that combines addictive rifts with Maynard's harsh spitting lyrics. It seems like a biting song to a partner that is less than perfect but accepted all the same. This is followed by 'Prison Sex' a song that lyrically is similar to 'Stinkfist' (taken from the album 'Aenima'). This song is not particularly heavy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Intelligent, thought-provoking, intense metal
Disadvantages: Hardly easy listening

...Tool have for a long time now been the band that every pretentious rock elitist just had to have in his/her record collection. The enigmatic, cryptic and abstract sounds of the band's music attracting in equal measures admiration and irritation. Undertow was the band's first full-length LP and was a great indication of how the band were likely to evolve over the following years. This was a band that 'didn't do' press interviews, didn't administer samplers for the DJs to promote, nor publicised their music in any real way. Tool found fame largely through word of mouth. The Band: Maynard James Keenan- Vocals Adam Jones- Guitar Paul d'Amour- Bass Guitar Danny Carey- Percussion Tool's music is lyrically and musically dark. On 'Undertow', vocalist Maynard James Keenan deals with such issues as prison rape and murder... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Progressive, Experimental. Maynard can sing
Disadvantages: It's not Aenima or Lateralus

...fantastic instrumentals throughout and this song is a fine example of this. 4.5/5 Track Seven - Undertow A guitar melody solo. The singing is rythmic at first and then more melodic as the music slows down. A slower song with easy to listen to vocals taht then erupts sporadically into emotional calls to "Shutup" but sung not shouted as only Maynard can do really well. The startes to reach a climax four minutes in and ther is this sense of descending in the singing. This then abruptly re-enters into the intro and a really fast drumming and haevy guitar duet finishes us off. 4.8/5 Track Eight - Four Degrees This song has very middle eastern opening on the guitar that then evolves into more standard Tool music. The singing is so wistful and somehow strained sounding.A good song but not as good as the rest I must say. 3.9/5 Track Nine... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful