http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/first ... ng-animal/So Soundgarden are finally back with their first studio album since Down On The Upside. Our Features Editor Amit Sharma thought he’d wrap his ears around King Animal for an hour and break it down for you. Here’s how it goes…
It’s been 16 years since we heard something new from Soundgarden. A lot has happened in the meantime, let’s quickly recap. Chris Cornell released three solo records and did that whole Audioslave thing, while Matt Cameron joined Pearl Jam and now juggles his life around two of the biggest grunge bands of all time. Well played that man.
Ben Shepherd did a few things with Mark Lanegan and Josh Homme’s Desert Sessions, which ain’t too shabby either. And as for Kim Thayil, there were a few obscure collaborations here and there, but mainly he kept himself busy by forming a punk supergroup with Jello Biafra and Krist Novoselic, The No WTO Combo, which to be fair was more of a political venture than an opportunity to create truly great music. So here we are: the year is 2012 and there is a band called Soundgarden. Let’s see what they have to offer,
1. Been Away Too Long
We’re still scratching our heads over what this song was written about it. We jest of course; Soundgarden are back and the album opener is a testament to this reunion being long overdue, something which millions of fans around the world clearly agree with. But was it worth the wait? For the most part – yes. The lead single may sound a tad overpolished, but all the classic elements of Soundgarden are there. Stomping grooves, check. Cryptic Eastern-flavoured guitar licks, check. Catchy vocal hooks from one of the best singers in rock’n'roll, check! Off to a good start then.
2. Non-State Actor
It’s instantly clear that Kim Thayil hasn’t lost his touch, the enigmatic guitarist can still shit out riffs that no one else could come up with. Non-State Actor is as infectious as it is psychedelic – showing the slicker, more melodic side to Soundgarden.
3. By Crooked Steps
Out of all the bands that broke out of Seattle at the turn of the 90’s, Soundgarden were always first choice for those that loved their music fuzzed up and spaced out. Yes, dude sat at the back in a Kyuss shirt smoking drugs, we’re talking about you. Though it’s not quite as instant as the two tracks that precede it, By Crooked Steps bridges the gap between grunge and stoner rock in the way only Soundgarden can.
4. A Thousand Days Before
It wasn’t just the sheer power of Chris Cornell’s vocals that made Soundgarden the Led Zeppelin of their era – it was also wonderfully mystical sounds coming out of Kim Thayil’s amp, and it was this chemistry that separated the band from all their peers and established them as kings of the alternative. On this track, the suspense just builds and builds until that massive chorus hits you three minutes in. Euphoric stuff.
5. Blood On The Valley Floor
Another ritual of sonic bliss, coated in swirling delays and enveloping reverbs. A slow, groove-ridden number that will inspire you to light those incense candles and pass out on that hippy rug you bought when you were 17 but could never quite throw away. Happy days.
6. Bones Of Birds
If another Soundgarden Best-Of gets released later down the line, Bones Of Birds deserves a place on it. This song demonstrates the quartet’s sheer mastery of dynamics: their ability to conjure a massive cloud of sound, dotted with infinite pockets of air to allow those intricate nuances to shine through. The subtle use of keys gently colour some of the finest riffs Soundgarden have put their name to, whilst Chris Cornell proves his pipes are just as good now as they were on Superunknown. Nicely done.
7. Taree
Another slower track but that’s to be expected: mid-tempo was always Soundgarden’s forte. Not quite as epic as Bones Of Birds, though still some great moments here, especially from Matt Cameron who switches from a lazier, behind-the-beat approach to a more direct, punchier groove with the ease of a true pro.
8. Attrition
Attrition is by far the weakest track on King Animal. There’s nothing memorable about it and you could be listening to pretty much any old band here. It serves well in kicking up the pace of the record, but that’s about it.
9. Black Saturday
Chris and Kim break out the acoustics for this one, and if you’re expecting some sort of post-grunge, Zeppelin-style jam… you’re right on the money. Black Saturday is full of twists and turns: a winding journey through passages that are euphorically uplifting one minute and ominously crestfallen the next.
10. Halfway There
Definitely the pop single on this record, sounding more like Chris Cornell’s solo material than classic Soundgarden. Not quite as throwaway as Attrition, though this may have worked better on the deluxe version for die-hards or as a future b-side.
11. Worse Dreams
That’s a bit more like it. The sledgehammer riff brought in by the rhythm section before the brooding vocals and wailing guitars absolutely reeks of the 90s, which is great. We like the 90s.
12. Eyelids Mouth
If you’re into the more classic rock influenced end of Soundgarden’s music, this track will be right up your street. Eyelids Mouth boasts one of the finest choruses you’ll hear on King Animal – led by baritone gang vocals before those unmistakable tenors from Chris Cornell come storming in. This will stick in your head for days.
13. Rowing
The album closer will certainly catch your attention. Layers of vocals unravel in the empty space above the processed drums – but don’t worry, this is still an entire world away from Chris Cornell’s last solo venture. There’s even a riff that sounds like a Jimmy Page lick lifted straight off Houses Of The Holy, and the juxtaposition against the sampled bass lines and electronic drum beats is certainly intriguing to say the least. A fairly experimental end to an overall strong comeback. Fair play Soundgarden. Welcome back.
King Animal is out November 12 via Vertigo. Check out our interview with Kim Thayil at this year’s Download Festival below!
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