A PERFECT CIRCLE
Maynard James Keenan and Billy Howerdel returned with their first album in 14 years, a commentary on the state of society in 2018
Amid all the speculation about the long-rumoured Tool record, Maynard James Keenan made an unexpected announcement: A Perfect Circle would be putting out their first album in 14 years. Released in April, Eat The Elephant picked up from the political ideas expressed on 2004 covers album Emotive, touching on themes such as social disconnection and corrupt leadership, gently leading the listener via swirling harmonies, unconventional rhythms and rich vocals. In June, the band sold out two nights at London’s Brixton Academy, and Hammer presented Maynard with the prestigious Icon award at the Golden Gods. They returned this month to play Wembley Arena.
“It was a pleasant surprise to see the support,” says Maynard today. “We’re extremely grateful. Billy’s core melodies and song structures are far from conventional, and in a music climate where conventional out-shouts unconventional, it’s bound to stand out sonically.”
The band enforced a mobile phone ban during their shows, security reportedly ejecting fans who flouted it. It made for an intimate atmosphere, without photography, texting or distraction. “Our thoughts on the dopamine epidemic are well documented in our track, Disillusioned,” says Maynard. “However, this has been the policy for more than 25 years. It’s not new. We have received far
more support than opposition. And you can most certainly choose not to attend.”
Since Eat The Elephant came out, US politics has erupted in scandal; there have been migrant children detained in cages, the investigation and appointment of judge Brett Kavanaugh, and bombs sent to critics of Trump. On the other hand, there have been protests and pushback.
Has the political situation got better or worse this year?
“I suppose better or worse would depend on your point of view, your personal politics, and/or what information you have been or not been exposed to,” Maynard responds in a circumspect sort of way. “It’s been said that progress is never a straight line. So, again, what does progress look like to you? So many moving parts. So much cause and effect. Truth versus fact is difficult to determine...”
As for his personal challenges in 2018, he points to something relatable: change. “Change is a normal daily hurdle, but over time we tend to be able to predict and roll with some of it. Not all of it,” he says, in a very Maynard response. “But lately, there seems to be a whole new wave of change and chaos that partially negates our previous experiences and of course our ability to stay at least a step ahead of it. Age is a factor as well.”
With Tool announced for Download next year and a new album on the way, all signs point to A Perfect Circle’s activity winding down. Will we have to wait 14 years for another follow-up? Will there ever be another record?
“When asked about his thoughts on reincarnation, a 75-year-old friend of mine, Viggo Jensen - may he rest in peace - replied in his Michigan-meets-Fargo accent, ‘Well, the way I figure it, you got a better chance of comin’ around a second time than you do of being here in the first place,” he says. “Time will tell.”