Puscifer: Donkey Punch the Night EP

Puscifer, the third band of Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle), amps up electronic and experimental elements, less fazed by ‘the norm’. This is exemplified on the new seven-song EP Donkey Punch the Night EP. Two covers highlight. “Bohemian Rhapsody” meets benchmarks established by Queen’s original without superseding it. Similarly, “Balls to the Wall”, recorded by German metal band Accept, ‘whets the palate’, failing to completely ‘quench the thirst.’ Original “Breathe” finds Keenan’s vocals breathy and understated, suiting the mysterious, alt-industrial vibe of the cut. A second original, “Dear Brother”, emphasizes a careful use of pacing, space and minimalism, highlighted by the lyric, “Farewell dear friend / fare the well dear brother.” Remixes of “Breathe” (Drumcell), “Dear Brother” (Denton), and “Balls to the Wall” (Silent Servant) conclude the set. Overall, the effort isn’t bad, but also isn’t incredibly memorable. It has its moments, but nothing outright triumphs or overwhelmingly compels.