ARCHIVE
SMASHING PUMPKINS - ZEITGEIST
Their first album in seven years, however Billy Corgan hasn’t gotten rid of the comfort blanket of their old sound. Zeitgeist, an epic album in itself, however is not an entirely new sound. But as the old adage goes, if it aint broke don’t fix it.
The album opens to the foreboding track “Doomsday Clock” with a sweeping drum and guitar intro reminiscent of P.O.D. However it tends to fall off after the intro into a very ordinary rock song. And unfortunately the album really doesn’t come alive until the fourth track, which is where the nostalgia comes in. “That’s The Way My Love Is” has an almost “Tonight Tonight” quality about it. The track is arguably the only sombre moment on the new album and its romantic feel smacks of the melancholy hit. Granted it's layered with more drums than its predecessor “That’s The Way My Love Is” is the first real inclination that the Pumpkins are back.
The first single Tarantula is up next and could have easily been the opener. Actually it should have. It’s just more aggressive and much rockier than the songs that precede it. And gives a better feel to the album. Corgan's brash vocal stylings accompanied with original drummer Jimmy Chamberlain’s stickmanship give all Pumpkin fans what they want.
Covering all the bases “United States” is a dramatic stadium song, one that will be a live favourite. From its operatic and dominating openings juxtaposed with Corgan’s mellow and very ambivalent vocals the song is focused more on showcasing the musical ability of the band rather than the vocals.
The standout track for me is “Bring The Light.” A somewhat upbeat song, and a statement of Corgan’s joy that the Pumpkins are back. After many years in the wilderness Billy is now back in the musical spotlight which is where he deserves to be. “I never felt so good and right about tonight, you’ll never need another sound” Corgan’s glad to be back, are we? Of course we are. The Pumpkins are a musical dynasty and long may they last, even if it is just Billy and Jimmy with some new seedlings.
P J Murray