Puscifer Will Lay Down ‘The Remedy’ at The Ace Hotel

Matt Matasci

With the release of “Money Shot” on October 30 of this year, Puscifer has established itself as an eclectic, creative musical juggernaut. Maynard James Keenan is the most high-profile and permanent member of a collective with a fairly fluid roster. However, for the band’s last few releases, his talents have been melded with those of British singer-songwriter Carina Round, A Perfect Circle bassist Matt McJunkins (also a touring member of Eagles of Death Metal), and producer Mat Mitchell. Recording in Keenan’s Caduceus Cellars in Central Arizona gave the album an inspired sound that presents itself on singles like “Money Shot” and “The Remedy.” On December 10 and 11, Puscifer will bring those songs and many others to their pair of performances at the beautiful and historic Theatre at The Ace Hotel.

“Money Shot” is the third studio full-length album released by Puscifer. As always, the record is replete with Keenan’s sense of humor, which tends to waver between being either sardonic or just silly. Within the music itself, there are lyrics like those from “The Remedy”: “You speak like someone who has never been / Smacked in the fucking mouth / That’s OK, we have the remedy.” These slightly less-than-poetic lines are as much poignant social commentary as they are a mic-dropping diss.

However, aggressive and lighthearted, “Money Shot” is very much a serious work of art. Round and Keenan work together better than ever before, twisting their vocal harmonies in directions few would dare venture. The instrumentation is deep, well thought out, and highly complementary of the range of vocal melodies. Mesmerizing in places, it creates rich soundscapes that have the ability to transport listeners into its bizarre world. Despite the fact that Keenan has continued to work with his original band, Tool, it is clear that he dedicates equal amounts of love and dedication to Puscifer.

Be sure to catch “Money Shot” in December when Puscifer comes to The Theater at The Ace Hotel. Find tickets for December 10 here and December 11 here.