Music That Just Don’t Sleep

Fresh from his tour with Marilyn Manson, following the release of Born Villain which he also helped produce, Chris Vrenna recently released the much anticipated third studio album from his solo endeavor, tweaker. Keeping with the trend of previous tweaker albums, the 11 new tracks on call the time eternity seek to build a concept soundtrack around manic behavior.

A lot has changed since 2004’s 2 a.m. wake-up call. Not just the moodier and much more aggressive style of music heard on call the time eternity, but Vrenna’s own life has undergone drastic change, including a divorce and the death of his father. It’s been a long 8 years of personal tragedy, professional triumph, and a ton of music production with some of the biggest names in the industry… so, was 8 years worth the wait?

The intro track on call the time eternity, “ponygrinder,” does well to set the stage with a complex mix of hard synth stabs, snare heavy industrial drums, and moody electronic melody, all contrasted by the cryptic advice of an automated messenger, “If you need help, go back a step.” Jessicka Addams (Jack Off Jill, Scarling) appears on “nothing at all,” singing an almost emotionless, “And then there’s nothing, there is nothing at all” in between belting out the seductive chorus to this otherwise cut and dry industrial track.

The dementedly deft “areas of the brain” gives listeners a glimpse into the mind of a maniac. Sonically, the song is characterized by revving guitar riffs, punctuated by sub bass stabs, and the repeating chorus, “Life is pretty good, life is pretty good,” followed by insane laughter, and then “Who needs friends when you’ve got meds?,” as if attempting to convince oneself of delusions.

The heavy synth progression of “getting through many a bad night,” alongside groovy its hip-hop drum pattern, will get heads banging regardless of the listener’s musical background. Collide vocalist kaRIN’s singing on “grounded” goes beautifully with the abridged violin harmonies and provides an excellent complement to the hard and crunchy bass of the track. Several tracks on the album, such as the aptly titled, “this is ridiculous,” are more abstract experimental than electronic industrial, which don’t quite fit in with the motif of the album. There are some masterful, highly detailed portions of the record as well as several parts which could have used a bit more attention.

As a concept album, call the time eternity is a smashingly avant-garde success of twisted thought process and sleepless nights. Aside from sheer lunacy, the standout attribute throughout the album is the select variety of vocal styles, each of which contribute something different to the music. These many contrasting styles tweaker employs are what make call the time eternity well pieced together, track for track.  So, was 8 years really worth the wait? Well, anyone fond of electronic infused industrial music that will get your toes tapping while making you think will be up all night listening to this one.