On the Record
Allan Raible's Take on the New Music Worth a Listen.
Allan Raible writes about music and the music industry. He is based in New York.
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Review: One Day As A Lion’s “One Day As A Lion” EP
July 29, 2008 1:36 PM
Rage Against the Machine originally disbanded back in 2000. Now, of course, they have gotten back together for a few reunion shows, but that leaves an eight year gap of time between then and now. While his Rage bandmates released three relatively successful albums with Chris Cornell as Audioslave during those years, lead singer, Zack de la Rocha remained remarkably quiet. Given his tendencies to spit politically-infused, bile-filled lyrics, it’s rather amazing that during a time when the country is in such political unrest such an outspoken figure would keep such a low profile.
One Day As A Lion is de la Rocha’s new collaboration project with former Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore. It’s only a tiny, twenty-minute slice of music. For frustrated Rage fans, such a brief, five-song cycle may not fully satisfy. Rage fans are ready for a full bottle of full-throttle anger and funk. Here we are only given a sip.
From the opening of “Wild International,” a familiar formula is in place. The pointed, distinctly pitched flow of de la Rocha sets the scene, but something is different. The music sounds sort of rinky-dink in comparison to Rage. The riffs are there and they would be muscular if they were allowed to have any muscle. Rage guitarist, Tom Morello is a god of modern rock guitar, so his absence is felt. Theodore is a great drummer and gives the tracks kick, but the main riffs are often delivered by what sounds like a fuzzy bass. It works a little, but pales in comparison to de la Rocha’s old backdrop. What the sound lacks in power, it tries to make up for in dissonance. This is one rusted-out sounding record. The sound is compelling at first but quickly wears thin.
On “Wild International,” de la Rocha says “both Mohammed and Christ word life would lay your body down to a tune so wild international.” His images of holy war are fueled by the funky groove. It brings back memories of Rage Against the Machine, but it comes off sounding more like “Rage Lite.” It has a similar flavor but it’s also less filling and less satisfying.
The dissonance continues on “Ocean View.” There’s a dulling energy here and the music covers up de la Rocha’s lyrics. Maybe this is why it was decided to print the lyrics in the album. It’s a wise move considering that de la Rocha has not lost his ability to paint a vivid picture. Here he mentions “blood…running down streets,” “pepper spray” the “terror list,” and a rising “ocean of fears.” It would make a great Rage song, but this isn’t Rage.
Theodore’s drum-work is impressive on “Last Letter,” while de la Rocha sings “your god is a homeless assassin, who roams the world to save.” There’s some interesting drive here, but once again the distorted bass ruins the groove. It doesn’t change enough. It feels monotonous. Towards the end, it gives a little and opens up, but it’s too little too late. Every one of the Rage Against the Machine albums is a classic which can be played over and over again. I can’t imagine listening to this song more than five to ten times.
“If You Fear Dying” sounds like it could pass as “Wild International 2.” It’s better, actually, but it’s a sad statement that it seems four songs in that they are repeating musical ideas. The bass-lines here are minimal, so maybe that’s their intention. The perceived repetition though is somewhat of a letdown. This is, however the best track here. Once again, he’s got the war and terror on his mind. In fact, this whole EP is about religious unrest and sociopolitical battle. Lyrically, this is exactly the record de la Rocha should be making. “If you fear dying, than you’re already dead,” he yells over a sinister and ominous track.
The EP closes with the title track, and like its predecessor it is stronger than the tracks before it. This time the lyrics contain passing references the war in Iraq, Gitmo and the immigration struggle. It’s a song about people rising up and fighting for their rights against injustice. “One day I say today we live as a lion!” This kind of track was de la Rocha’s bread and butter when he was in Rage Against the Machine.
The Rage albums were so strong, and so much time has passed that this record will no doubt disappoint. It could use a good remixing to give the tracks the power they deserve. I think the group has been misnamed. Back in the Rage days, de la Rocha really roared. With such a strange backdrop here, his power is diminished even when his lyrics are at their most visceral. “One Day As A Lion” sounds like the sparse work of two kittens that would be better off finding their pack.
I wish this had the same punch as Rage. Sadly, it does not.
July 29, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (8)
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Thank god I didn't have to listen to this long enough to discern the lyrics the way you did. I know you said it was monotonous, but if it felt that way sampling it - I can't imagine what you went through listening to this several times - thanks for taking the bullet for the rest of us!
Posted by: bill | Jul 30, 2008 11:24:54 AM
RATM were still one of the best live acts I've ever seen...why'd they break up again?
Posted by: Jazz | Jul 30, 2008 2:59:24 PM
You're right: This is not Rage. Would this album be more exciting if the other members of Rage were pounding it out with Zack? Of course; but you're completely missing the boat on Zack, and chances are you'll just never 'get it'.
You mentioned the 'other' members of Rage releasing successful albums after the Rage break-up. Ok. However, that all depends on how you define 'successful'. Album sales? Ok, but that's not how Zack would define successful. It should also shed some light on why Zack would take some time to get back to some roots; perhaps to 'live'. Perhaps to delve in some fruitful culture.
Unfortunately, I don't know if there will ever be another Rage album. The fact that the other members did go the Capitalist route of selling fairly crappy pop albums shows there is a great divide between Zack and the band.
As for One Day as a Lion. I believe it's tremendous, as strong as any Rage album, but then again, I'm all about what Zack is spittin.
Posted by: ts folk | Jul 31, 2008 1:36:55 PM
I think ts folk pretty much nailed it. This isn't RATM, and if you've ever heard Zack's other works and singles, you should know exactly where he's coming from with this new EP.
Posted by: Stuart | Jul 31, 2008 2:58:01 PM
allan, after reading your review on one day as a lion its apparent that you are not a reliable source as a critic of music. also, you probably only brushed upon rage against the machine and mars volta.
Posted by: crissy moran | Aug 1, 2008 8:21:22 PM
I agree strongly with this review.
Personally I felt this album stunk. You get read my review at captainmelody.blogspot.com if you want.
Posted by: Captain Melody | Aug 6, 2008 6:09:51 PM
Heard the first single, Wild International on the radio and was SURE that RATM had released a new album.
Theodore's beats make up for what they are missing in one of the most creative guitarists the world has ever known. Its always hard to judge an EP vs an LP, although the comparisons will be inevitable to RATM. I for one think this album has a distinctive sound with tremendous drumming and great lyrical delivery. Can anyone argue with that?
Posted by: NMK | Aug 7, 2008 12:56:26 AM
I think "Wild International" and "One Day as a Lion" are pure bangers... de la Roacha's lyrical delivery is sick and I'm glad to hear him spit again... The drums are raw, the lyrics are tight... Thats all I need... Peace...
Posted by: JSUN | Dec 12, 2008 10:59:16 PM
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