A Perfect Circle’s “Eat the Elephant” releases on 4/20/2018
“Eat the Elephant” is the name of the upcoming album from A Perfect Circle, and it’s hard to believe it’s been fourteen years since the band was in the studio. As someone who’s definitive A Perfect Circle is still “Mer de Noms,” that’s an eighteen-year span, so it’s a pretty great feeling to once again be excited for the band’s new music. It’s unfortunate that people paint frontman Maynard James Keenan into the Tool corner (I once had someone in a Tool crowd negatively call A Perfect Circle Tool-lite), so here’s hoping “Eat the Elephant” makes enough waves to remind fans that Keenan is still kicking and A Perfect Circle can still pound down that rock fist in frustration. After all, there’s more talent behind the music in addition to Keenan. A Perfect Circle also features guitarist Billy Howerdel, guitarist James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), drummer Jeff Friedl (Puscifer, The Beta Machine) and bassist Matt McJunkins (Eagles of Death Metal, The Beta Machine).
Here’s the official (albeit muted) video for “TalkTalk,” a sneak peek single from the April 20th release of “Eat the Elephant”:
Yep. Sounds like A Perfect Circle. To say new music from A Perfect Circle (and Tool for that matter) is long-awaited is an understatement. Again, it’s been so long since I’ve ridden the waves of those oh-so-familiar A Perfect Circle sounds, so it’s satisfying to nod the head and feel the rhythm again in tune with a band that made a name for themselves when I was still in high school. On the same note, this means A Perfect Circle will more than likely take the new album on the road, so having another chance to be in the crowd and catch them live is icing on the cake.
As for the 4/20 release date, Tone Deaf says it’s Keenan’s way of making sure he’s got a gift for a friend’s birthday:
“Although I’m extremely excited to finally be completing this album after a 14-year hiatus, I’m actually more excited that its intentional release date is serving a greater purpose,” says frontman Maynard James Keenan.
“The 20th of April is Carina Round’s birthday. She is a dear friend who is extremely difficult to shop for. Pressure off. Of course, I must also note that the potheads are gonna be thrilled that this album comes out on 4-20. May it serve as a glorious soundtrack to accompany all of the giggling and vexing sounds of nibbling and snacking. Fingers crossed, Cheech & Chong will be proud.”
Here’s a track list for “Eat the Elephant”:
01. Eat the Elephant
02. Disillusioned
03. Contrarian
04. The Doomed
05. So Long, And Thanks For All the Fish
06. TalkTalk
07. By and Down the River
08. Delicious
09. DLB
10. Hourglass
11. Feathers
12. Get the Lead Out