Normal Isn’t
Normal Isn’t gives Puscifer’s strange ideas a firm musical base. The trio of Maynard James Keenan, Carina Round and Mat Mitchell bring post-punk, electronic sounds and darker guitar work together on an album that is serious without losing its dry humour. The arrangements leave room for the voices, and the strongest songs get their impact from a steady groove rather than sheer volume.
“Thrust” introduces the tension that runs through the record. Keenan sounds frustrated, while the music keeps its force controlled. That restraint is useful: the songs can carry anger without making every moment equally loud. Round’s vocal parts add another tone around him, and Mitchell’s guitar and synth work provide detail without filling every available gap.
“Bad Wolf” is one of the clearest examples of that balance. Its synth-led arrangement supports a more melodic vocal performance, making the song accessible without lifting the darker mood. “Self Evident” pushes harder, with a strong groove and a more aggressive voice. The record’s humour is sharper here, while “Mantastic” turns its attention to the contradictions of exaggerated masculinity. The jokes do not remove the unease behind them.
There is a quieter kind of weight in “The Quiet Parts”, which gives the singing more space and encourages attention to the words. “Pendulum” brings a more insistent pulse and a clear gothic post-punk feel. Later, the largely instrumental “Seven One” changes the focus again, using spoken narration and a guest appearance from drummer Danny Carey. These shifts help the album avoid settling into a single pattern.
The measured pace will not suit every listener. Much of the record stays tense and dark, and the longer arrangements ask for more attention than a quick run of singles. Still, there are enough clear hooks and changes in texture to keep that seriousness from becoming flat. Normal Isn’t is a strong fit for anyone who enjoys atmospheric alternative rock with electronics, expressive paired vocals and a little bite in its writing.
