Mike Patton – The Solitude of Prime Numbers

Album Review by Mark Shukla | 31 Oct 2011
Album title: The Solitude of Prime Numbers
Artist: Mike Patton
Label: Ipecac
Release date: 31 Oct

Featuring music created for the film (and inspired by the book) of the same name, The Solitude of Prime Numbers is being touted as a "sonic departure" for Mike Patton. It's a bold promise, given Patton's ability to assimilate styles as diametric as death metal and lounge, but not an inaccurate one. Indeed this could well be the most focused and contemplative work of his career, taking in spectral minimalism, stirring orchestral motifs, Penderecki-like dissonance and ambient drone; all effortlessly blended into one subtly intoxicating whole.

Of course, Patton being Patton, he makes no effort to hide his influences, but his quotations generally come across as respectful nods rather than shameless lifts. For anyone previously put off by the man's aggressive stylistic infidelity, this album could well be the ideal means of broaching a wider appreciation of his talents; for longtime fans, it's another gem to add to the collection.

http://www.ipecac.com