The Great Filter

Album review

The split of Mr. Bungle remains one of the major disappointments within the realm of challenging/unpredictable rock -- but the band certainly left their mark on several subsequent groups, including the Chicago-based Tub Ring. Listening to their 2007 release, The Great Filter, it quickly becomes apparent that the quintet must have spent quite a bit of time listening to the aforementioned Mike Patton-fronted band (especially their 1991 release, Mr. Bungle). But don't be mislead -- Tub Ring is not a shameless rip-off, yet they certainly are proficient at their respective instruments, and they're suckers for quirky bits, as evidenced by such tracks as "Seven Exodus," "No One Wants to Play," and "Requiem for a Robot." However, the Tub Ring chaps can also get quite melodic when they want to; in fact, such selections as "The Charismatic Smile" and "Making No Sound (At All)" are very -- dare say -- emo-esque. In this day and age, you've got to respect a band that throws caution to the wind and lives to take chances musically, and The Great Filter shows that Tub Ring certainly qualify in the whackoid rock sweepstakes.

© Greg Prato /TiVo