| A perfect supergroup In this circle of musicians, there's no room for egos |
| April 22, 2004, 11:00 pm |
Source: The Plain Dealer Robert Cherry, Special to the Plain Dealer. The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio: Apr 23, 2004. pg. 4 Newspaper Abstract (Document Summary) For its latest tour, the circle includes Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan, guitarist-musical director Billy Howerdel (a former guitar tech from Nine Inch Nails), session drumming ace Josh Freese, former Marilyn Manson bassist Jeordie White (aka Twiggy Ramirez) and former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha. Iha joined A Perfect Circle after the band recorded its second album, "Thirteenth Step." Unlike the band's equally successful debut, the new concept album (something about recovering from recovery) doesn't bludgeon listeners into submission. It lulls with droning guitars, dub-deep bass and simmering vocals. Mostly, however, A Perfect Circle likes it dark. Keenan's song titles alone tell the story: "The Outsider," "Weak and Powerless," "The Noose." The band's theatrical presentation of such songs conjures all sorts of perverse backstage scenes in one's imagination. But who knew exactly how perverse? Full Text (472 words) (Copyright (c) The Plain Dealer 2004) Distribution zones: All VIRGIN RECORDS A Perfect Circle is a supergroup that lives up to its name. CONCERT PREVIEW A Perfect Circle When: 8 tonight. Where: Tower City Amphitheater, 351 Canal Road, Cleveland. Openers: Burning Brides. Tickets: $35, available at the box office and Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone, 216-241-5555 (Cleveland) or 330-945- 9400 (Akron). A Perfect Circle is that rare supergroup: a collective of veteran musicians that actually adds up to more, not less, than the sum of its members. In other words, the band's name suits it. For its latest tour, the circle includes Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan, guitarist-musical director Billy Howerdel (a former guitar tech from Nine Inch Nails), session drumming ace Josh Freese, former Marilyn Manson bassist Jeordie White (aka Twiggy Ramirez) and former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha. Why does the lineup of alt-rock marquee names function so well together? "I think everyone appreciates the fact that it's hard to be in a band and do good music and be successful with it," Iha says. "There's no real star trips or huge egos at work." Iha joined A Perfect Circle after the band recorded its second album, "Thirteenth Step." Unlike the band's equally successful debut, the new concept album (something about recovering from recovery) doesn't bludgeon listeners into submission. It lulls with droning guitars, dub-deep bass and simmering vocals. Iha, who now considers himself a permanent member of A Perfect Circle, was drawn from post-Pumpkins retirement in part by the band's inventive arrangements. "If I'd recorded with them, I'm sure there would be different guitar parts, but I can't really say they'd be better -- or worse," he says with a laugh. "They definitely have a unique thing, and everything is well-arranged already. It's hard to find fault with their songs." As for the inevitable comparisons to his former band, he says, "They're both dynamic bands. They're both quiet and then loud. And there's dark moments in the music and also lighter moments." Mostly, however, A Perfect Circle likes it dark. Keenan's song titles alone tell the story: "The Outsider," "Weak and Powerless," "The Noose." The band's theatrical presentation of such songs conjures all sorts of perverse backstage scenes in one's imagination. But who knew exactly how perverse? Iha admits that certain members of the band wind down after a show by -- shock! horror! -- listening to the soft-rockin' hits of Christopher Cross. "Jeordie is a big Christopher Cross fan," he says. "I don't mind it. I like 'Arthur's Theme.' It's a good song. If I have a beer, and I hear that song after a show --'when you get caught between the moon and New York City'-- it makes me feel a little nostalgic. I think, 'Oh, I miss New York.' " Cherry is a free-lance writer in Cleveland. To reach Robert Cherry: [email protected] Credit: Robert Cherry |