TCV -- I still haven't forgotten about them

I don’t think I’ve ever been as elated and heartbroken with the debut and subsequent reclusion of a musical group as that which I’ve experienced with Them Crooked Vultures.

via imgarcade.com

If you’re like me, you are very wary of anything that looks, acts, or remotely makes mention of a “supergroup.” But when you have the likes of Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, and John Paul Jones working together, what else can you call it? And, perhaps as a positive consequence of this mega supergroup (QOTSA, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, respectively), such a formation brings together a rather interesting audience that otherwise might not have reason to interact. If you’re a fan of any of the above, you must check out TCV.  Really though, I wouldn’t approach this as a short-term supergroup, because they didn’t. This is a meaningful project -- for all members -- and one sample off their album will surely convince you how true that is.  

So, with Josh Homme having a large hand in this project, you’re gonna get the lovely, absurd, off-beat textures that you would from Queens -- and behind it all, you have a rhythm section that is simply unmatchable in terms of synergetic power, proficiency, and stylistic versatility. In other words, you have a songwriter capable of creating and working around crazy, outlandish patterns and themes in uncomfortable (but appropriate and wonderful) ways, and bass and drums capable of playing them. Add the auxiliary that they incorporate (keytar, lap-steel, to name a couple), and these songs represent very well what they aim to be: totally dynamic, at times unsettling, and all of them masterfully crafted.    

via flavorwire.com

And let’s not forget the most overlooked part of this group: Alain Johannes -- the fourth vulture. A critical if not necessary part of their studio and stage presence, Alain truly is a musician of the highest caliber. A big part of his exclusion from the trio in almost all other circumstances is probably due to the group’s marketing strategy, which underscores three, and not four, vultures.

Anything new that TCV potentially has on the table or ready to go at the moment has been suspended -- and understandably so; at least two of the members have other time-consuming projects that take precedent over any Vultures release. But I am patiently waiting for a second album, and I can’t possibly be alone.   

The album’s single, New Fang, is a great plug for the rest of the album, and exemplifies just about everything I’ve discussed. Give it a listen and tell me what you think!

via flickr.com