Mike Patton is one of the most prolific artists of our time. Coming into prominence in the late ‘80s as the lead-vocalist from Faith No More, Patton never limited his artistic vision as he pushed boundaries and expanded his horizons, first with Mr Bungle, then with Fant�mas and finally Tomahawk. But when he returns to Australia and New Zealand this June it will be in support of his most inspired and accessible work to date: Peeping Tom.
The emergence of Peeping Tom has been a long time coming for Patton fans. After a tumultuous journey beginning in 2000, Patton’s hard work culminated in the release of 2006’s Peeping Tom (out now through Ipecac/Shock), a collaborative pop album featuring Norah Jones, Kool Keith and Massive Attack amongst many others.
Defying traditional rock values, Peeping Tom is a fusion of hip-hop and pop where guitar is used minimally, and instead the music is driven by beats. Thought provoking – but not pretentious – there’s no easy explanation to what you hear. “This is my version of pop music,” Patton has declared of this project. As he wrote each track, Patton visualized his ideal collaborators. He then sent them song files and hoped for finished tracks as a form of reply.
Drowned in Sound wrote of the album: “…it is, in essence, another boundary broken in its incorporation of myriad influences and elements…” while Rolling Stone raved: “The album is full of dark, beat-driven atmospheres that alternatively evoke DJ Shadow, Nine Inch Nails and Prince Paul.”
A regular visitor to Australia, Patton will return in June to introduce Peeping Tom to the fans, as they play shows in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle, and Auckland.
In the live arena, Patton is an enigma. Intense and explosive, Patton is undoubtedly one of the best, unique and indefinable frontmen in music today. Last on Australian stages in 2005, reviews were rapturous: “Patton’s vocals leapt from child-like warbles to deafening shrieks, while his body took on the appearance of a marionette – invisible strings seizing him to life after every moment of calm.” fasterlouder.com.au wrote of Patton’s performance.
Peeping Tom have blazed across the US as openers to The Who and are soon taking to the stage on the 2007 Coachella line up. They have captivated fans and media alike including billboard.com who announced: “Although Peeping Tom's album was mostly a studio creation (with many a file being shipped back and forth across state lines), the octet translated it extremely well on stage. With live guitar/bass/drums supplying a healthy dose of oomph to the proceedings, the songs proved only stronger in a live setting.”
These shows are must-sees not only for fans of Mike Patton, but fans of music in general. Destroying expectations and today’s definition of pop music, Peeping Tom promise to put on some of the most breathtaking shows you will see this year. With a fiercely devoted fan base, these shows will sell out – don’t miss your opportunity to experience Peeping Tom this June!
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AUCKLAND SHOW CANCELLED
The Frontier Touring Company regrets to advise that Peeping Tom’s Auckland show at St James Theatre on June 16 has been cancelled.
Peeping Tom is a collaboration of a host of different artists, including the multi-talented Mike Patton. Unfortunately due to last minute commitments overseas for a key member of Peeping Tom, the Auckland show is unable to proceed as planned.
Mike Patton is deeply disappointed with the cancellation and in true Patton style is determined to return to New Zealand in the near future to repay his fans for their understanding.
Everyone who bought tickets to the show is entitled to and will receive a refund. If you were scheduled to attend the show you can obtain a refund from your original point of purchase.
