Photo: Eric Livingston

Tomahawk return to blast through the blues with “Business Casual” and announce first album in eight years

Tomahawk, the band that features Duane Denison (The Jesus Lizard/Unsemble), Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle/Fantômas), Mike Patton (Faith No More/Mr. Bungle, etc.) and John Stanier (Helmet/Battles), have announced their first album in eight years: it’s called Tonic Immobility and comes out on March 26 through Ipecac. Speaking on the record, Denison says:

“Tonic Immobility could just be something in the air we’re feeling… It’s been a rough year between the pandemic and everything else. A lot of people feel somewhat powerless and stuck as they’re not able to make a move without second guessing themselves or worrying about the outcomes. For as much as the record possibly reflects that, it’s also an escape from the realities of the world. We’re not wallowing in negativity or getting political. For me, rock has always been an alternate reality to everything else. I feel like this is yet another example.”

They’ve kicked off the campaign with the riotous “Business Casual”, which they say is “a mocking look at the life of work in America.” Utilising the dynamism and theatricality of their combined years of experience in some of America’s most bombastic bands, Tomahawk take a half-mocking half-serious approach to their sonic attack. A hypnotic bassline underpins sing-rapped observations, adorned by noir-ish coos, before the hilariously pompous chorus thunders through. Ultimately, “Business Casual” is chuckle-inducing and stomping anthem in honour of all those stuck in their houses working mind-numbing jobs and gradually slipping into a state of disrepair – mentally and/or physically.

Tomahawk’s new album Tonic Immobility comes out on March 26 through Ipecac (pre-order). You can find the band on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.