Tantrum of the Muse

Item: Modernmu$ick (2000!)
Author: Matt R.

Modernmu$ick (2000!)

(2000)

Reviewed by Matt R.

Discogs Bandcamp Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Takehold RecordsDecapolis2000

experimental metalcore

When Tantrum of the Muse's first record came out a big deal was made about how they were innovative, blending Built to Spill type indie-rock with metal, but since this is a sophomore effort there is no need to dwell on that. With a heavy emphasis on the metal side of things, Tantrum of the Muse is definitely one of the most interesting bands I've heard playing metal influenced music. Where as most heavy bands just seem to fall into a formula of repeat riff, repeat riff over and over again with screaming lyrics that just give you a headache, Tantrum sticks a big middle finger to convention in any sense. Modern Music 2000 continues into somewhat confrontational ground, sarcastically sticking the middle finger to the "Christian industry," and candy-coated religion. In between tracks there are often sound bytes that mention masturbation, religion, and one in particular a segway into a song where a pastor asks his congregation to turn their hymnals to song 302, called "Screw the Music Industry." The segways help make sense out of the songs, especially when the lyrics are almost impossible to make out. The word kill is used a number of times on the record, including a song where the word kill is connected to religion, and a quirky Modest Mouse sounding number asking a question about a serial killer. What is interesting to note is that with all its sarcasm and almost self-indulgent attempts at pissing people off, the record is more than just a novelty, proving Tantrum of the Muse to be a band that, like or not, won't be going away any time soon.

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