Tomahawk is one of Mike Pattons (Fantomas, Lovage, ex-Mr Bungle) many bands ...however, it's supposed to be Duane Denisons (ex-Jesus Lizard) project instead. However, in Mit Gas, it's undebiable that Pattons influence has grown significantly since Tomahawks self titled debut. This is one of the best rock albums I've ever heard, because of the great variety in the songs. The difference between Tomahawk and Pattons hit band Faith No More is that Tomahawk has more of a signature sound, while Faith No More sounded pretty much like a different band each album.
01 Birdsong
This is an awesome opening track...its starts with an intro: a creepy guitar tune and eerie effects, with birds chirping, strangely enough...it's typical Patton stuff. An interesting offbeat drum loop kicks in with Pattons eerie screaming being a highlight. Than you hear those familiar crooning vocals Patton does. It builds very well to a heavy melodic core. I love the riff Denison plays after the first chorus. 4.7/5
02 Rape This Day
Rape This Day is more punk influenced than the other songs on Mit Gas. The intro is pretty cool, with a drving riff and Pattons crooning with the drums building things up with occasional fills. The riff is simple and catchy...a very cool rock-out song to go nuts with. The vocals are great as usual with Mike. 3.9/5
03 You Can't Win
This songs sounds like a bossa-nova lounge track on acid. It's undeniably influenced from Pattons Mr Bungle-days. The crazy electronic effect work suprisingly well. I really like Pattons hysterical vocals and the "we are the police and now we're gonna start a riot" falsetto. 4.2/5
04 Mayday
It starts with an ambient avantgarde-noise part, but you can skip that. It starts with just a drum&bass beat...after 4 bars it shifts in an amazing melodic sequence that hardly sounds like rock. Denisons guitar riff blends well with those cool electronic samples. The verse is strange, with Patton singing in one half of each earphone everytime. The chorus is very intense, with a cool guitar solo afterwards. 4.3/5
05 Rotgut
Another hard rocking song that shifts between loud and soft parts. Midway the beat speeds up a bit with a cool guitar assault by Duane. 3.7/5
06 Captain Midnight
It starts very melodic, with another drum/bass beat and a loungy riff by Duane...Patton sings very well here with that eerie falsetto of is. Suddenly the song explodes into the heavy, intense chorus. Patton isn't known for singing with alot of emotion...but in this part it's definately an exception. The song ends with another verse, but instead of going into a second heavy part, it ends. 4.1/5
07 Disastre Natural
A very cool ballad sung in Spanish...it's so typically Patton. I have no idea what the song is about, but I love it. Those strings are so Faith No More-ish...but the song itself sounds like Burt Bacharach with a little twist of Ennio Morricone. 4.5/5
08 When The Stars Begin To Fall
This one is amazing...it's probably the song that mostly defines Tomahawks signature sound. Slick basslines, heavy melodic guitar explosions, intense drumming and Mike Pattons psychotic vocals. I love the part with Pattons high pitch scream and when he shouts "Let's go!!!" and that short guitar solo comes...awesome. 4.6/5
09 Harelip
It's a funky, spooky track with some catchy vocal lines. The chorus has a really unique feel. A really solid track overall. 4.3/5
10 Harlem Clowns
A very eerie avantgarde-track. It's a good filler up track...my guess is that this is a bit how Fantômas' new disc will sound like. It may be just noise...but it's very listenable in my opinion...I never skip it. It ends with some guy naming all the big musicians who supposely can't read notes 3.4/5
11 Aktion 13F14
This track has a very country-ish riff with Patton naming the "basic principles of hand to hand combat" in a robotic, redneck voice. After the second chorus, that track comes almost unbearable to the ear, with loud heavily distorted beats and vocals. My least favorite on Mit Gas. 3.2/5
Overall I'd give this cd a 4.1/5...a good purchase for fans of experimental hard rock.
