Primus entered the mainstream at a time when unique hard rock and metal was catching the ears of the masses. The band's quirky rhythms and stacatto vocals that are more semi-melodic ravings than traditional singing were right on target for a music buying public that had embraced Faith No More as a driving force about a year before Primus' major label debut was released. "Sailing the Seas of Cheese" introduced Primus to the masses. Since that time a new Primus release has been a distinct musical experience. "Green Naugahyde" continues this trend.
The classic Primus recipe of Les Claypool's vocal madness and bass gymnastics, Larry Lalonde's guitar textures and solid yet quirky drums, provided current and previous drummer Jay Lane on this release, is still a winning formula. As always, the songs are varied. "Tragedy's A'Comin'" sounds like an outtake from the Red Hot Chili Peppers -- something possibly conceived during an LSD fueled session. Lalonde and Claypool alternately take solos, each shining brightly. In my opinion Lalonde is a seriously underrated guitarist.
Fans will find some familar ground tread on "Green Naugahyde." "The Last Salmon Man" has more than a little resemblance to the band's "Jerry the Fisherman" both lyrically and musically. "Hennepin Crawler" sounds in some ways like a dark take on "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver," especially in the some of the vocal delivery. Other songs are evidence of a more grown up Primus. "Lee Van Cleef" is a fun bit of jazz/funk rock and "HOINFODAMAN" opens with a Sabbathy guitar tone and mixes dissimilar instrumentation into a cohesive soundscape.
That last tidbit is the key to the Primus sound. Each piece of a song is disctinct, yet much like a jigsaw puzzle they fit together to reveal a complete work that makes sense, despite the jumble of individual components. On "Green Naugahyde" more than some previous releases the band leaves room for each instrument to shine. "Eyes of the Squirrel" is a great example of this. A laid back yet frantic drum beat is layered with somewhat creepy guitar notes that would seem out of place alone and a trademark Claypool bass riff. These odd pieces mix to create a lush sound only created by allowing room in the mix for each to be enjoyed. It's the juxtaposition of dissimilar sounds that often makes Primus a treat to listen to. Fans of the "Brown Album" will find much to enjoy in this surprisingly mature release from these seasoned veterans.
Reviewed by Jim McDonald
