It’s been a hot second since Tomahawk, the heavy alternative supergroup featuring Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle), Duane Denison (The Jesus Lizard), Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas) and John Stanier (Helmet), released a studio album, their last record being 2012’s bizarre and deeply satisfying Oddfellows. However, the band have now revealed that they have a new studio release in the works for 2021.
Tomahawk’s new album will be called Tonic Immobility, and will see the light of day on March 26th via Ipecac Recordings. The band have also dropped a first single from the album titled “Business Casual,” which you can listen to below. The track, described by Denison as “a mocking look at the life of work in America,” is the first new music from the quartet since 2014’s “M.E.A.T.”
“Tonic Immobility could just be something in the air we’re feeling,” says Denison. “It’s been a rough year between the pandemic and everything else. A lot of people feel somewhat powerless and stuck as they’re not able to make a move without second guessing themselves or worrying about the outcomes. For as much as the record possibly reflects that, it’s also an escape from the realities of the world. We’re not wallowing in negativity or getting political. For me, rock has always been an alternate reality to everything else. I feel like this is yet another example.”
“Business Casual” definitely keeps up with Tomahawk’s tradition of both hard-hitting alt-rock and sardonic humor. The track seems to take a dig at being old, referencing bad cholesterol and empty calories as a way to touch on the fact that the band are now conscientious old dudes. Then again, maybe it’s a statement on culture in general being overly concerned with positivity. Whatever the case, listen to the track below:
Tonic Immobility is out March 26th via Ipecac Recordings, and is available for preorder. Check out the tracklisting and cover art below:
- SHHH!
- Valentine Shine
- Predators and Scavengers
- Doomsday Fatigue
- Business Casual
- Tattoo Zero
- Fatback
- Howlie
- Eureka
- Sidewinder
- Recoil
- 12. Dog Eat Dog
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Words by Chris Krovatin
