Emotional Animal is the third Dug Pinnick solo record, and his first for Magna Carta Records. He has dropped the Poundhound moniker, and has decided to change the spelling of his first name this time out. Best known for his vocals, bass, and on stage presence for seminal rock band King's X, Pinnick tends to use his solo work to be more introspective, and Emotional Animal is no exception.
"Hey! Would You Know?" chronicles Pinnick's continuing struggle to make sense of God and his followers:
Take a giant step but my wheels won't roll behind me
I don't know what to say for my prayers were never answered
I guess we all need a break
This world where all are sinners
Oh, maybe someday -- but I won't cross my fingers...
"Beautiful" revisits a familiar theme to Pinnick's fans -- a reminder to believe in yourself, and not to put stock in others' (negative) opinions. "Noon" is a haunting, repetitive piece that is a redone version of a demo recorded several years ago. This tune, along with "Keep Up," expresses a desire to see the middle ground, and perhaps gain equilibrium mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
"Equal Rights" will offend some with its pro-marijuana stance, but does pose the interesting question of why it is illegal, while cigarettes and alcohol are not only licit, but promoted heavily. "Crashing" is a familiar sounding song that would have fit in on any of the three solo albums.
Pinnick's guitar work continues to improve, to establish his own, distinctive heavy sound that is more Bruce Franklin than Ty Tabor. Joey Gaskill, son of King's X drummer Jerry, does a fine job of keeping time for dUg, and not overshadowing him. Everything else is dUg, with one exception: Kelly Watson is featured on vocals and "mouth trumpet",on "Freak the Funk Out," one of several shorter songs on the disc.
Emotional Animal delivers in a big way. While not quite as heavy as the previous two records, Pinnick branches out more with his new songs -- this is the first record that doesn't rely on older demos. It is a record that once again shows that he is an artist in his own right, whether with or without King's X. And I haven't even mentioned the songs "Zepp," "Mr. Hateyourself," or "Bite" yet...
4 tocks
Similar sounding releases
2003Xd OutAwakening
2000A Perfect CircleMer de Noms
2004King's XLive All Over the Place
2000Robert SweetLove Trash
1998HumDownward is Heavenward
1994MortalWake
