![cover | fantomas [ipc01]](pics/IPC01M2004.jpg)
Fantomas is the brainchild of Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr Bungle). This is the debut full length release. Fantomas started as a blitzkrieg of music in Mike's head. He had to find the musicians to realise this imaginary noise and he came up with quite a line up. Trevor Dunn (bass) grew up with Mike and has been a member of Mr Bungle with him for the last fifteen years. Buzz Osborne (guitar) is the driving force behind the legendary heavy-noise-rock band that is the Melvins (who also have not just one but three records coming out on Ipecac!). dave Lombardo (drums) was the original drummer for Slayer and is now a member of Grip Inc. and is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most ferocious rock drummers ever.
The music is anything but easy to describe. From subtle and precise to brutal and explosive, it's influences are drawn from the length and breadth of music. At one moment you hear the sound of hardcore/death metal then a moment later it comes across as if music from a cartoon. All of this delivered almost as if it was a soundtrack. It is made up of tiny cells of music that move like frames in a comic strip. Mike's highly distinctive vocals consist of cartoon language, baby sounds and shrieks. Safe to say, then, that it is not exactly radio friendly.
This self titled, self-produced full length record is a first in two ways - not only the debut album by Fantomas it is also the first release on the newly formed Ipecac Recordings, of which Patton is a co-owner.