Former Tool, Nine Inch Nails, etc. (the list goes on) guitar-tech and founding member of A Perfect Circle (alongside Tool’s Maynard James Keenan), multi-instrumentalist Billy Howerdel showcases his own musical vision with his solo project Ashes Divide. As a major driving force behind APC, Howerdel’s Keep Telling Myself Its Alright sees remnants of his past outfit (still technically only on hiatus) in the general soundscape of the disc. This isn’t without good reason, as former A Perfect Circle band-mates Josh Freese (drums) and Paz Lechantin (has writing credits on several tracks, believed to have recorded bass for the album) contribute to Howerdel’s songs; Maynard’s son Devo also makes an appearance on the record, playing the cello. So far the young album has spawned the single “The Stone”, and put out a video to support it. This isn’t the strongest track on the record, as something like “Denial Waits” seems like a catchier exhibition.
Though the project doesn’t seem to have the force behind it that A Perfect Circle did, Billy’s solo work may yet live up to the commercial success of the former. Regardless, he’s been able to put forth his own work, and with it seemingly honest and whole-hearted approach.
Solid effort from Billy here, all you would expect from him, great guitar work, atmospheric ambient sounds melding with the harder elements. Lyrically this isn't Maynard type of word magic, but its solid for a debut of this intriguing new frontman. I dig it, and i suspect most APC/Tool fans will love it as well.
