Tourniquet Vanishing Lessons
Pathogenic Records Re-release 2004
By Jason Jordan
Tourniquet is in the process of re-releasing their revamped catalogue, and 2004 brings us 1994s reincarnated Vanishing Lessons. Originally, the aforementioned featured a new vocalist, the noticeable absence of Mendez (guitar), and a vastly different sound from 1993s Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance, which many deem their best album. This time, however, theres a bevy of new material to digest.
All eleven tracks from the first iteration of Vanishing Lessons are here, naturally. Bearing Gruesome Cargo begins the record, and I never understood why this song is still a fan favorite its rather average fare in my opinion. Pecking Order is more my taste because it contains driving hooks and punctuating drums. Check the 2:40 minute mark, and on, for interesting instrumentation; Tourniquet have always been gifted musicians capable of penning captivating rhythms and fills. Drowning Machine is a solid composition. It utilizes subtler methods at first, and then delves into whirlwind guitar leads coupled with nice breakdowns. Pushin Broom chases and at the same time introduces us to an even more mellow group. Thankfully, the song does return to heaviness later. Vanishing Lessons is all right, but My Promise is an avenue I dont like to see the band traverse due to its docility and subsequent monotony. Fortunately, and similar to Pushin Broom, the song reaches the heavier side of the spectrum at the 2:15 minute mark. Acidhead is a good not overly entrancing exercise. K517, though, is a brilliant take on Scarlatti, with accompanying drums by Kirkpatrick. And, its one of the most enjoyable instrumentals Ive ever heard. Twilight is yet another example of the pop sound that invaded the bands songwriting occasionally: promptly skip this, in other words. Your Take and Sola Christus, the latter of which brings the album to a close, are not anything exemplary either.
Enter new material: an unreleased track, three live tracks, and two demos. HHS2, like K517, is Kirkpatrick accompanying Handel. Again, the aforementioned is a must-listen. Acidhead, Pecking Order, and Vanishing Lessons are the selected live tracks. The sound of the live tracks isnt spectacular, but it suffices nonetheless. The demos arent overwhelming either, but all of the above material is just an added bonus for those who hold Vanishing Lessons in high esteem. So, whether your nostalgia brings you back to this album or not, its a worthy outing. And, the added recordings, changed artwork, and additional liner notes really push the package from good to great.
8/10
Official Tourniquet website
Pathogenic Records Re-release 2004
By Jason Jordan
Tourniquet is in the process of re-releasing their revamped catalogue, and 2004 brings us 1994s reincarnated Vanishing Lessons. Originally, the aforementioned featured a new vocalist, the noticeable absence of Mendez (guitar), and a vastly different sound from 1993s Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance, which many deem their best album. This time, however, theres a bevy of new material to digest.
All eleven tracks from the first iteration of Vanishing Lessons are here, naturally. Bearing Gruesome Cargo begins the record, and I never understood why this song is still a fan favorite its rather average fare in my opinion. Pecking Order is more my taste because it contains driving hooks and punctuating drums. Check the 2:40 minute mark, and on, for interesting instrumentation; Tourniquet have always been gifted musicians capable of penning captivating rhythms and fills. Drowning Machine is a solid composition. It utilizes subtler methods at first, and then delves into whirlwind guitar leads coupled with nice breakdowns. Pushin Broom chases and at the same time introduces us to an even more mellow group. Thankfully, the song does return to heaviness later. Vanishing Lessons is all right, but My Promise is an avenue I dont like to see the band traverse due to its docility and subsequent monotony. Fortunately, and similar to Pushin Broom, the song reaches the heavier side of the spectrum at the 2:15 minute mark. Acidhead is a good not overly entrancing exercise. K517, though, is a brilliant take on Scarlatti, with accompanying drums by Kirkpatrick. And, its one of the most enjoyable instrumentals Ive ever heard. Twilight is yet another example of the pop sound that invaded the bands songwriting occasionally: promptly skip this, in other words. Your Take and Sola Christus, the latter of which brings the album to a close, are not anything exemplary either.
Enter new material: an unreleased track, three live tracks, and two demos. HHS2, like K517, is Kirkpatrick accompanying Handel. Again, the aforementioned is a must-listen. Acidhead, Pecking Order, and Vanishing Lessons are the selected live tracks. The sound of the live tracks isnt spectacular, but it suffices nonetheless. The demos arent overwhelming either, but all of the above material is just an added bonus for those who hold Vanishing Lessons in high esteem. So, whether your nostalgia brings you back to this album or not, its a worthy outing. And, the added recordings, changed artwork, and additional liner notes really push the package from good to great.
8/10
Official Tourniquet website
