Poundhound

Item: Pineappleskunk
Author: Brian A. Smith

Pineappleskunk

(2001)

Reviewed by Brian A. Smith

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Label Metal Blade RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2001

alternative metal alternative rock funk rock hard rock

Pineappleskunk is the second solo recording by King's X singer/bassist Doug Pinnick under the name Poundhound. The "pound" referred to is the distinctive bass tuning that Pinnick uses in his recordings, and it is prevalent throughout this album. Lest you think Pinnick a one trick pony, he sings, plays all instruments except drums (Jerry Gaskill of King's X), wrote all the songs, arranged, recorded, mixed, and produced the album.

With all of that work behind him, the question one would ask would be "Has Pinnick spread himself too thin?" The answer to that question emphatically would be "NO!" This album is a marked improvement on his first output, Massive Grooves..., and is far superior to the last two King's X recordings.

Thematically, Doug deals with some recurring issues: his alienation with God and Christianity, anguish at the way we treat each other, and unfortunately, marijuana references (in fact, the title is a particular strain of cannabis).

At the age of 51, some would expect Doug Pinnick to go quietly into the night, but his lyrics and his vocal abilities seem to be that of a much younger man. He ranges from quiet growl to full bore heavy metal screaming at different points. "Jumpin" is a highlight - it is a series of rhyming seemingly without connection, but I defy anyone to sit still through this song.

"Oh My Soul" illustrates his frustration with God and those who claim to speak in His name:

If you're looking for love, if you're looking for peace
Let your spirit go higher
I been walking in circles
I been praying to God
Maybe talking to nothing.

And in "Pineapple" he seems to understand where he is currently:

No guarantees. No promises. And don't forget to say your prayers...
I built a house to knock it down.
I let the fool come take my crown.

In "Higher" Pinnick writes:

Ain't got no savior. Ain't got no kingdom come.
Ain't got no lover. Ain't got no one.

But "Someone" seems to indicate that Doug is still trying to find his way back:

Tell me about the part where Jesus saves.
Everything I do gets all f----d up
And what else did he say to you
Somewhere in between is hate and lust
And what else do I have to do
Love and understanding equals trust.

"Next in Line" laments the manner in which humans treat each other:

And people will hate you, if you're not like them.
And people will kill you - they don't understand.
Free your mind. Cause a crime.
Circles are for breaking.
Free your mind. Love is blind.
Who will be the next in line?

"Atlanta" may be about Pinnick's father, who disappeared when he was young. "Rain" is a song about a friend who committed suicide, previously mentioned in the song "Friends" from Poundhound's first release, Massive Grooves...

All in all, this album shines musically - Pinnick's guitar work is vastly better than his previous work. Gaskill is the best unknown drummer in music today. "Somedays," "Jumpin,'" "Mind," "Smearing," and "Eventime" stand up as well as anything recently recorded in "heavier" music.

Only one thing seems to be missing here, and some will resent me for saying it: Ty Tabor. His guitar work and an infusion of some of his lyrics at times would have made this the best King's X album ever. But, I must also say, had I never heard of King's X, and started with this album, I would be quite satisfied to buy the next ten Poundhound albums.

4 tocks