Poimandres

Saw these guys live a few days ago, that would be my fifth time. It was certainly a better show than they've put on in the last decade where they seemed a bit tired/bored so I'd def recommend checking them out if you get a chance. The new tracks translate very well live, especially Pneuma. It hasn't changed my mind on any of the strengths and weaknesses of the album but it was a positive experience. Danny is a beast and definitely the mvp. Oh they played 7empest as well which was good fun!

Ehh my opinion has pretty much solidified after... 50 listens? Sometimes I really like it, but then if I put it on after listening to something a bit more energetic (like Black Midi for a recent rock album) it can be sluggish and slightly dull. I think I've digested all the album has to offer, and it's not going to offer up any real revelations. Looking forward to hearing it live though for sure. It's good, but I'm not gushing.

It's not going to happen. Favourite album for some sure. That's true of all of their albums. But for the majority? Aenima vs Lateralus until the end of time.

At least it's not Tooletpaper, which it very well could have been after 13 years

Since this thread is now veering closer to everyone having a self congratulatory party patting each other on the dick I'll offer a bit of a counter point. I've basically been listening to the album non stop and overall it's good but not great. Strengths I would say are Danny's drumming (clear highlight), consistency (no stinkers), and very solid performances all round. Weaknesses, every track is the same basic slow build long form (apart from 7empest) and rather mid tempo. It can get a bit monotonous. I've also never been a fan of The Patient and both Pneuma and Invincible have movements that get into a similar dreary jugga jugga guitar riff as that track. Also Maynards vocals are lacking some bite. If you think this album is amazing just chuck on Aenima immediately after and you can hear how much more vital everyone sounds. But, all that said, I do like the album quite a bit. I just don't think it's some 10/10 deliver on all fronts.

Every single real track on Aenima is a total banger. Just skip the filler tracks and you have a 60+ minute album of pure gold. Lateralus... Ehhh I don't think The Patient is great, Schism isn't on par with anything from Aenima, even Parabola runs out of steam in the second half. There just isn't as much good music on there.

People had a similar theory before 10000 Days. "Look at that tracklist, a song called The Pot are you kidding? They are hiding the real album away! Vicarious is intentionally uninspired, just read the lyrics man" It must be hard to write songs that sound like Tool without being too familiar or too different. Honestly they used up all their best riffs on Aenima. So far this doesn't sound as forced as 10000 Days, and I'm happy for a more relaxed listen without setting expectations sky high.

So isn't it time someone made a topic in the New and Upcoming Releases section? Since this is indeed releasing this month.

Well shit, this is a hard one! Chiastic Slide LP5 Tri Rep EP7 Confield NTS (?, still digesting) Exai Draft Amber Oversteps Untilted Elseq Incunabula Quaristice Yeah... Maybe... I don't know. Best eps are Cichli, Envane, Garbage most definitely. EP7 is an album to me.

Holy shit. We spoke, they listened. Elseq was born.Lol but nothing on elseq is as good as VI Scose Poise. Personally, all of Elseq 4 at least > VI Scose Poise.

ehhh this is album still leaves me sort of cold... I much prefer the live sets from this era to the album.

Ya, it's all pretty similar. Flows really well as an album though with kind of a mysterious mood that permeates the whole thing. If you're looking for industrial stuff, I'd recommend checking out Haujobb as well. They have some pretty banging tunes, but a lot of people don't like the vocals.

It's not really industrial, but Gridlock is damn good crunchy industrial-esque IDM. Especially check out the album Trace. All time classic in my opinion.

I've actually listened to this pretty much exclusively through headphones (Beyer DT250's), and I don't feel the same way! I find this release more approachable as a headphone album than, say, something like Untilted which never sat quite right with me via headphones. I guess the true test of how non-fatiguing I find this is that I've actually done the full 4 plus hours a couple of times and come out the other end... hungry for more.

Yeah, I agree with this absolutely.

I think your opinion might change over time. Funnily enough, one of the main stumbling blocks for getting into Autechre to begin with for me was the track lengths and a perceived lack of evolution! There have always been some frustrating Autechre tracks for me for a variety of reasons, and there are a couple on here that get a bit long in the tooth for me (Eastre for example). But, as a release I don't hear this as being "unedited" at all. It did kind of sound that way initially, but now I hear a similar level of attention to detail as other releases.

I listened to all 5 Elseq's on Saturday, walking around the streets in the rain catching Pokemon I really appreciated 2 and 3 which I haven't listened to as much.

Yes, damn true Poiman. I can't seem to get away from my faves. I'm hooked on the elseq 1-4's but not listened to part 5 at all. I didn't download it, 4 was enough. It can only come as a disappointment after the immensity of the previous 4... Poiman, i'm sure you felt the same. Yes, I am well hooked, but I have delved into 5 which must be said is quite excellent. If anything, I need to give 2 and 3 some more attention!

I keep planning on listening to some other Autechre stuff.... like revisiting Exai or some live sets, but then I just end up listening to Elseq instead.

Samples for all of the tracks up here: https://www.amazon.fr/s/ref=sr_nr_seeall_8?rh=k%3Athe+avalanches+-+wildflower%2Ci%3Adigital-music&keywords=the+avalanches+-+wildflower&ie=UTF8&qid=1465335580 Most of it sounds quite different to Frankie, closer to the first album.

Still feeling Pendula Hv Moda as my fav. Gotta put some time into elseq 5 though

I think you guys are taking this way too seriously. It's a fun if slightly goofy track. The Gorrilaz comparison is pretty apt for me. Seems like you guys are selling Since I Left You a bit short. It doesn't need to be "the greatest album of all time", but it is very enjoyable and well executed. Over rated I agree, but that doesn't make it shit!

Yooo Frankie Sinatra is on the radio right now. Sounds pretty good!

I listened to Portishead - Third on the commute to work this morning and that reminded me that 10 year albums can sometimes deliver the goods, which made me feel a bit better about Tool than I had been for a while. And hey... at least we're getting the new Avalanches today right? Come on Tool, give us a new album so the year of musical dreams (and terrible deaths) can be truly complete!

Apparently the album is dropping TODAY Also from Zan Lowe apparently. Keen beans.