Puscifer
17th April 2021
Billy D & The Hall of Feathered Serpents (Via Live Stream)
Review & screen shots by Bridget Herlihy.
When Puscifer dropped their fourth album ‘Existential Reckoning’ at the end of October last year, frontman and Puscifer co-mastermind Maynard James Keenan stated that the band’s mission is to connect humanity through the digital. This methodology could be applied to a number of different facets of the band’s outputs to date, but perhaps the most obvious is the way Puscifer have utilised digital platforms to produce two of the most enthralling and magical virtual musical performances to date.
There appears to be a widespread pre-conceived notion that live-streamed music is the poor cousin of live, in the flesh performances. Yet Puscifer are masters of mixing together elements of theatre, music and art. They have not only thought – but jettisoned – far outside of the proverbial box to produce a different type of online experience that is both visually and aurally spellbinding, not to mention entertaining.
Case in point: the release of Existential Reckoning was quickly followed by ‘Live at Arcosanti’, where the band performed the album in its entirety in the middle of the desert. Although the performance itself was pre-recorded, it afforded the band greater flexibility and control over the end product, and the ability to do things that are not entirely possible in a live setting that is broadcast in real time. ‘Live at Arcosanti’ was streamed via the Puscifer Live website, and was ultimately made available to stream for several days afterwards for those who had purchased tickets. In a nutshell, the performance was a tour-de-force that left fans begging for more. And Puscifer have been more than happy to oblige, announcing that they would be giving each of their albums the live online concert treatment, albeit in reverse order. As such, ‘Billy D & The Hall of Feathered Serpents’, with music from ‘Money Shot’ is the second of Puscifer’s online experiences.
The stream opens with the iconic – and notorious – Puscifer character Billy D, and he is a man on a mission. (Note: for those unfamiliar with the history of Puscifer and it’s colourful characters, you had best do some research). At the end of the Arcosanti performance, Billy D was left wandering in the Arizona desert, and this is where we rejoin him. He has managed to get his hands on the mysterious briefcase that has made somewhat random and unexplained appearances in several Puscifer music videos, including Arcosanti. But what does it mean? (Or, does it mean anything at all? If MJK is to believed, possibly not).
The scene then cuts to an alleyway, and Billy D makes his way into a dive bar with the briefcase, which he perceives as being a young and rather attractive female luchador. A conversation ensues, with all involved becoming increasingly confused. After shooting a mysterious alcoholic beverage named ‘The Manstration’ by the two resident bartisians, Billy D slaps the top of the case, and is showered in an equally mysterious white powder. Presumably it is not desert dust, as said powder causes Billy D to fall off his bar stool. Cut to the bartesians mixing a new drink, which they aptly name ‘Galileo’, which heralds the beginning of the performance of ‘Money Shot’.
It is not merely a treat to see and hear this magnificent album played from beginning to end; the production values of the performance are second to none. Yes, each of the tracks are performed live, but they were pre-recorded, with the performance taking place in LA’s exquisitely ornate Mayan Theatre. ‘Galileo’ is presented through a yellowed filter, and times playing at less than the standard 24 frames per minute, giving the performance a subtle sense of timelessness. Vocalists Carina Round and Keenan appear on stage, partially shrouded in fog, and wearing luchidor masks complete with serpents emerging around the face. The remaining members of Puscifer, Mat Mitchell (guitar/producer), Greg Edwards (bass) and Gunner Olsen (drums) are joined by keyboardist Juliette Commagere and backing vocalist Claire Acey; forming a very tight line-up of artists that play an integral role in bringing ‘Money Shot’ to life as a multi-dimensional sonic journey. The footage provides the viewer with multiple points of view, as cameras weave around the stage and musicians. The result: An unparalleled, rich feast for the eyes. And it is hard to imagine a pair of voices that compliment each other as well as Round and Keenan’s, as they intertwine beautifully (no mean feat for someone who has had not one but two bouts of the ‘Vid).
Towards the end of ‘Agostina’, the album’s second track, Billy D reappears, stumbling his way down a hallway characterised by smoke and psychedelic effects. The spoken word beginning of third track ‘Grand Canyon’ is shot in black and white and performed by Billy D, before revealing a new set; this time the wrestling ring which was the centrepiece of the live shows on the Money Shot tours. The ring is surrounded by the band and a troupe of revelling luchadors, while Round and Keenan – looking resplendent in news suits and masks – belt out the remainder of the track.
While not wanting to give everything away, it is safe to say that this performance is an absolute thrill from beginning to end, and includes a number of set changes, costume changes and highlights, including a ferocious rendition of Flippant (which doesn’t appear on all versions of ‘Money Shot’ on streaming platforms. ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ , ‘The Remedy’ and a beautiful performance of closing track ‘Autumn’ – complete with Round and her banjo – are also very memorable moments.
Who knows when international touring will become a reality again. In the meantime, Puscifer’s productions are more than tiding fans and the curious over; keeping audiences on the edge of their sofas and begging for more. Stay tuned for live versions of ‘Conditions of My Parole’ and ‘V for Vagina’ that will no doubt emerge over the coming months. Bravo Puscifer, bravo!
Did you watch this brilliant live-streamed concert? Or have you seen Puscifer perform live somewhere else? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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