"Pull the curtain back and let the show begin"
I think it's relatively obvious why I started listening to Puscifer: Tool/Maynard James Keenan. Bands may float in and out of my "top artists" but Tool will remain there as they hold a special place in my heart. When I got into Tool, that is when I really got into listening to music. And as much as he receives shit for his stage presence, arrogance, opinions in interviews and repertoire with fans (some of it may be deserved, some of it not), I don't think you can deny that Maynard is a great artist. And to the naysayers: He doesn't give a fuck about what you and I think. ANYWHO, Puscifer! I think it is simplest to refer to it as the solo project of Maynard James Keenan, but there are obviously various musicians/guests involved. Before the review, first some history, as I think it is necessary to mention how we got to Conditions of My Parole, as well as give you some context for my opinion: before releasing 'V is for Vagina' in 2007, a couple of tracks (well, remixes?) appeared on the Underworld movie soundtracks, and along with the 'Cuntry Boner' single, all were out for the world to get introduced to Puscifer. I really loved the stuff on the Underworld soundtracks, and still do. But I'll be honest, the Cuntry Boner offering wasn't quite up my alley, it was a fun time for sure, but nothing to keep me coming back. It was more of a joke than anything. Maybe that's what Keenan was going for, a lighter version of himself than the one we hear with Tool, or even A Perfect Circle for that matter. 'V' didn't really follow either of these releases stylistically, it was both and neither, nor was it a Tool record. The only thing they really have in common is MJK's voice. 'V is for Vagina' felt like a more relaxed, groovy Maynard. It had some depth but it wasn't too heavy. There were tracks that I loved, and tracks that I could take or leave. It was a solid album and I certainly enjoyed it, but save for the tracks I really liked I found myself taking it out less and less as the years went by. I still listen sometimes, but it feels more like a nostalgic listen. For me, the next notable release was the "C" Is for (Please Insert Sophomoric Genitalia Reference Here) E.P. This, this was something great. The whole 6 tracks (4 new and 2 live) were all very strong in my opinion. Keenan seemed to be coming into his own as Puscifer (awesome guests too, including Milla Jovovich whose voice on The Mission goes perfectly with Maynard's, as well as Trent Reznor having a writing credit on the Potions mix). After this EP and seeing them at their one of a kind live show (highly recommended), I was psyched to learn that they were releasing a new full length in 2011. I had high hopes for this evolved Puscifer, and they didn't let me down. (Holy long paragraph Batman!)
This album is significantly more polished than 'V'. The compositions seem much more coherent, and the album flows nicely from one track to the other. As I said, I think Keenan really found his footing with Puscifer and Conditions of My Parole. He certainly started it with 'C' but perfected it here, taking it to a whole new level. The album is also a lot more chill and understated in many portions. Each song seems a little more carefully composed and executed. Another good thing here is that there isn't too much filler, we get 12, full tracks, each a juicy morsel unto itself. Additionally, the groove of Puscifer is kept but this time there is more of a soundscape to it. It's still Puscifer, just better. Perhaps the touring and the passage of time between albums gave this a better chance at aural success.
Maynard again combines some humour with deeper themes in the lyrics. He does it well too, and you feel as if his personality may be coming through. Many emotions are present in the lyrics, and all are delivered with intensity and conviction, one of Keenan's strengths as a vocalist. Additionally, Carina Round performs backing vocals on several tracks, the feminine vocals giving them a touch of softness. Luckily here, Maynard's voice is one that is only complimented by a female voice, not over powered or in sharp contrast. Though it's almost so in the background that it's difficult to pick up most of the time, but when you do it can be rather rewarding, giving another layer to the tracks.
As Maynard has likely been spending significant amounts of time in the Arizona desert making wine, I can definitely get a sense of that in the style of the music. Perhaps that's no surprise as Conditions of My Parole was recorded in Jerome, Arizona. I feel as if I am out in the quiet, desolation, far away from the city, watching the sun set on a clear blue sky. This quality in the music is somewhat indescribable, you can't put your finger on it but it comes over you as you listen to the album. This is a special result, it's not often you feel where the musicians are when they are recording, particularly when it's a place you've never been. Must be something in the DNA of the album that allows the listener to grab onto it deep within and be in a similar mind space the musicians were in when they were recording.
In general, while I'm always happy to see another musical side of Maynard James Keenan, even if it's not Tool, I always considered Puscifer more of a "side project". With this album, MJK & co. are creeping in as a full on force to be reckoned with. I don't feel that they need to ride the coattails of Maynard's success with Tool and A Perfect Circle anymore, they are their own entity, creating and performing great music. This album continues to demonstrate that there is nothing one-dimensional about Keenan, in fact he can explore new aspects of his artistic personality, and clearly he can thrive in doing so.
As well as Round, and although I consider Keenan the driving force behind Puscifer, I can't give him all the credit! So I should point out that a large number of musicians participated.
