Mondo Generator - Dead Planet: SonicSlowMotionTrails (Album)
I’ll be the first to admit that I ‘m a little frightened of Nick Oliveri. Sure, he may be a pussycat to his friends, but Nick often comes across as an unhinged man that has the potential to crack at any moment. So when presented with an offering from Mr Oliveri and his band The Mondo Generator, I don’t think it’s unfair for me to expect that some of that crazed energy has been pumped into their latest recording.
So, what do you do when the work doesn’t live up to the persona?
While Generator’s 2003 release A Drug Problem That Never Existed, showed promise with its relentless guitar that grinds like a freight train, their newest release, Dead Planet: SonicSlowMotionTrails, is an inoffensive contribution to the world of rock. But I’ll be damned if I don’t want to be offended. If the heavier stuff isn’t here to stretch my listening capabilities, then nothings gonna…
Nick Oliveri’s vocal style ranges from of a screeching preacher on 'Like a Bomb', through to a more melodic slick sound. With guitar riffs reminiscent of Soundgarden coupled with choir-like choruses, it makes it impossible not to compare Mondo Generator to Oliveri’s former band, Queens of the Stoneage.
What is obvious is that these guys would be pretty cool live, but the production on the latest album somehow distances the listener, making even the faster, punkier tracks like 'Life of Sin', sound decidedly tame.
Fired from QOTSA in 2004 by lead singer Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri is definitely enjoyed his fair share of drama in recent years. Nick assaulted a sound technician in Germany while on tour with Generator in 2004. This resulted with the rest of the band abandoning the tour and going back to the U.S. Nick then enlisted Winnebago Deal members, Ben Thomas and Ben Perrier, who eventually left the band in mid 2006 for reasons that are unclear. With a new label and a new name (from Mondo Generator to Nick Oliveri and the Mondo Generator) Dead Planet signals a new era for Oliveri.
The unfortunate thing is that all the tabloid-like gossip surrounding Nick Oliveri is far more interesting than the stuff he’s putting out. Fans may find something in this latest release but with bands like the Melvins doing such great things, I don’t know why you’d bother. Shit. Just chuck on an old Oueens of the Stoneage disc and forget you ever read this.
But do me a favour…don’t mention this review to Nick.
