Soundwave has once again kept up its end of the bargain, unleashing glorious chaos in a tide of Sidewaves. Those who worship at the altar of Maynard James Keenan received a double hit of the Tool frontman, with appearances from A Perfect Circle and Puscifer (“special guests”) on the festival’s lineup.
Puscifer thrives in a constant state of flux, musically and member wise, with Maynard the only point of permanence.
The band kept their cards close to their chest in one of their first performances outside of America, tightening up security at the Enmore theatre, much to the annoyance of attendees. It was questionable whether the band had pushed their creative flamboyances too far, as punters were told to cloak handbags and any potential recording devices.
True to their unconventional tendencies, instead of supports, fans were treated to a mockumentary played out on two screens.
An outrageous storyline revolving around hillbilly, all-American, trailer trash couple, ‘Billy D’ and ‘Hildy’ ensued, in all of its whiskey chugging, Jesus tie-wearing, incestuous glory (courtesy of Hildy’s cousin Cherry Piles), and featured a catchy ditty called “World Up My Ass”.
Crude, politically incorrect and completely hysterical, this opening piece was worth the cloak and dagger mystery, and had the audience crying with laughter.
A nonchalant ‘Major Douche’ (pronounced do-shay) followed suit, reiterating previous warnings of illicit recording, whilst imploring the crowd to scream “Vagina” repeatedly.
Bassist Matt McJunkins and drummer Jeff Friedl appeared, striking up the rhythmic drum and bass intro to “Sour Grapes” which hailed in character Reverend S’ok. A gluttonous, flatulent man deemed pious enough to preach the word of god.
The stage looked quite comfortable, boasting plush couches which faced tables laden with booze and water. It was however two elaborately gilded picture frames that became the focal point, rendering their subjects monochrome and magnifying their heads like domed security mirrors in a corner shop.
As the rest of the band materialized to roars of delight, it was behind these that Keenan and leading lady Carina Round, writhed for a good part of the performance.
Puscifer played a mix of tracks off all their releases, including the latest Conditions of My Parole. McJunkins pendulated gently, as Round and Keenan pulled together hauntingly sweet harmonies in “Green Valley”.
The whirring, discombobulating intro of “Tiny Monsters” followed, melding into hypnotically jagged keys. The band relaxed during a musical interlude, saluting the crowd with their drinks, before keyboardist Josh Eustis swapped to bass for “Vagina Mine”. The opening chords of “Dozo” incited a burst of excitement, as Keenan sumo stomped his way through ear punching distortion.
Fans scoffed at their reserved seating, standing and dancing in glee, ignoring attempts at restoring order. As the night progressed the theatre became a conduit of vigorous spiritualism. Round donning a nun’s habit blithely swooped around onstage barefoot, mock fainting.
The resonating notes of sombre “Momma Sed” were greeted enthusiastically, before Round took the reins, rivalling Keenan’s charismatic vocals with her sultry rendition of “Rev 22:20”; appreciative howls rising from the men folk.
Near the end, the music descended into frenzied madness, as possessed fans swayed, completely entranced. “Balls To The Wall” rampantly shook the stage, Keenan pushing his vocals through a megaphone attached to his hip, as punters screeched along and it was his spine chilling screams during “Undertaker” that hit the night’s intoxicating pinnacle.
A last interaction allowed Keenan to say his ‘thank you’s’ as he introduced each band member, all met with rumbling applause. He explained Puscifer as a reconnection between two facets of a utilitarian and artistic side of self, before ending (no encore) with the serene tones of “Humbling River”, his mournful voice echoing in awestruck silence.
Puscifer created an ethereal and absorbing world with their visually stunning performance. The meticulously put together show is a mind curdling experience of sensory overload, seeking to draw in and envelop the observer.
Standing on their own might and sinew, the band are unapologetic in their artistic expression, making them all the more endearing. Fingers are crossed that the band finds their way more regularly to our shores in the future.
