Very few things in life are certain, but there are a few: Death, taxes, and the fact that Mike Patton will lay waste to every stage that he sets foot on.
Whether it be with Faith No More or Mr. Bungle, or the frankly insane Fantomas, or Dave Lombardo's punk band Dead Cross, Patton will give it his absolute all. Who remembers his genius guest spell with the Dillinger Escape Plan? Or that time he toured with The Roots' human beatbox Rahzel? All incredible.
See, that's the thing with Patton--you never what he's going to do next? The fact that the masses are begging for the return of Faith No More doesn't alter the fact that Patton will only do it if he's really feeling it. Otherwise, he'd rather bring back Mr. Bungle, or make another Dead Cross album, or do something entirely new.
Some people might find that frustrating, but the artistically-inclined, those people who loved the fact that Bowie changed like the wind, will find it thrilling.
And then there's Tomahawk.
Formed back in 1999 when Jesus Lizard man Duane Denison met Patton, Tomahawk is completed by drummer John Stanier (Helmet, Battles) and bassist Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, etc). They've released five albums, with 2021's Tonic Immobility the most recent. As is their way and want, the bulk of their set at the Belasco in mid August was pulled from that record. But hey, even that last album is five years old now!
They were start-to-finish magnificent. There's a movie score quality about the way Tomahawk create moods, throws curveballs, and changes direction in an instant. You can get whiplash, switching from "SHHH!" to "Capt. Midnight," but it's so fucking worth it.
"Rape the Day" and the beloved "God Hates a Coward" are further highlights, but it really makes no sense to isolate specific songs. Tomahawk provided an experience. All four members of the band were on point, and the crowd responded in kind. Simply brilliant.
Earlier, the Melvins proved that they just keep getting better. They always seem to open for bands this writer is going to see, but they're always worth getting to the show early for. Sludgy and intense, tunes like "Honey Bucket" never get old.
The band is amazing, obviously led by big-haired frontman Buzz Osborne. On bass is Redd Kross man Steve McDonald, while Dale Crover and Coady Willis offer a brutal, dual drum attack. Trevor Dunn, a former member, joined the band for a couple of tunes, which was a treat.
And so say all of us -- God bless the Melvins!
