Mr Bungle - Disco Volante

Customer reviews
Press release

One of the most uncompromising and adventurous major label releases of the ‘90s, Mr. Bungle’s second album, originally released in 1995, is an “alternative” record only in the vaguest sense of the word. Incorporating death metal, free jazz, experimental electronica, and ambient soundtracks, along with Mike Patton’s outrageous vocal style, Disco Volante is probably the most important and groundbreaking release of Patton’s storied career, and that’s saying a lot. Think Faith No More, John Zorn, Frank Zappa, and Ennio Morricone rolled into one sick stew.

Track list: 1.Everyone I Went To School With Is Dead 2. Chemical Marriage 3. Carry Stress In The Jaw 4. Desert Search For Techno Allah 5. Violenza Domestica 6. After School Special 7. Phlegmatics 8. Ma Meeshka Mow Skwoz 9. The Bends( Man Overboard / The Drowning Flute / Aqua Swing / Follow 10. Backstrokin’ 11. Platypus 12. Merry Go Bye Bye/Nothing

5...according to Joe Green.

Impossible to categorise - moving through all elements of music from dance, to jazz, to lounge, to death metal (and, if I am not mistaken a Grandpa Simpson impersonation - or is that just Mike Patton having a laugh), sometimes in the same track, with fantastic musicianship, impeccable timing, and great vocals throughout. A difficult first listen (I found) but 13 years on from its original release its still on my turntable regularly - persevere with it and you will be richly rewarded. If you haven't listened to Mr Bungle before I would suggest California - their third and final album (so far?) as a starting point. Some similarities to The Fantomas and Secret Chiefs 3, but with a much wider scope. How on earth did they sit down and think this stuff up, never mind get it all down on vinyl? Remains to be seen if the new release will still have the fantastic hidden track. Reluctant to say that it is genius as this is a term used far too often, but this really is not far off. My favourite Mike Patton fronted work after FNM.

2...according to Jared.

If your considering buying this, you've probably heard this material before. So you wont be surprised to know this is masterpiece bungle material. Unfortunately you've probably heard the Warner Bros master... No wonder this is not release by them, the quality is terrible. A huge disappointment from a long time fan. I don't believe bungle caliber musicians such as Dunn, Spruance, and Patton could have been involved in this release on vinyl, nor even endorsed it. If your interested in classic material released by any of these musicians, invest your money in ipecac, or mimicry records, or even more so visit Dunns personal site, you wont regret it.

Rating: 2 out of 5

So, what do you think? Best reviewer each month gets £10 off their next order!