After years of rumour and speculation, Chicago’s favourite alt rock musician Billy Corgan is back with his first new release under the Smashing Pumpkins brand name since 2001’s greatest hits promo ‘Untitled’.
Although drummer Jimmy Chamberlin is also on board, the two other founding members, D’arcy Wretzky and James Iha, are noticeably absent from the revival. As a result, Corgan has recruited the services of ex Lassie Foundation guitarist Jeff Schroeder and sultry bassist Ginger Reyes.
‘Tarantula’ is available for digital download and will be released on CD and 7” on 2nd July, with each format containing the B side ‘Death From Above’.
The Pumpkins’ sixth studio album, Zeitgeist, is out on 9th July.
They say:
M&C: “It’s raw enough to feel like the Pumpkins are blasting at you from a tiny stage, threatening to smack the front line of the audience with their instruments because of cramped conditions.”
We say:
Step aside all you young alt rock pretenders. The original of the species are back and they’re taking no prisoners.
You see, ‘Tarantula’ is an invigorating ear hole injection of vintage Pumpkins, all aggressive, pre Adore style riffs, creamy guitar engineered sounds and Animal the Muppet drums.
It has a certain pop feel, but is never formulaic. In fact the actual chorus is only repeated twice, with intricate Mellon Collie esque transitions and screaming guitar solos taking precedence.
You could complain that Corgan’s vocals are a little too high in the mix, but really, that would be nitpicking for the sake of it.
This is so much fun it almost makes you want to forgive ‘ol Billy for exposing us to his painfully self indulgent solo effort TheFutureEmbrace in 2005. Almost.
Bring on the album and tour.
Like this? Try these:
The Smashing Pumpkins – Fuck You (An Ode to No One)
Zwan – Honestly
RELEASED
Out now
LABEL
Warner
POSTED...
Mon 2 Jul 2007 at 2:49pm
