Beatles legacy Sean Lennon has a long resume of collaboration. He’s worked with Deerhoof drummer Greg Saunier in improv duo Mystical Weapons, and later with with Moonlandingz, what he’s referred to as a “fictional band” that includes members of Fat White Family.
More recently, Lennon has moved onto bass-driven psych-pop by teaming up with Primus’ Les Claypool. In January, the duo, calling themselves The Lennon Claypool Delirium, announced their forthcoming album, Monolith of Phobos, includes 10 tracks written over the course of 6 weeks. The album’s first track “Cricket and the Genie” (the first half of a two-part suite) was released earlier this week. Delirium’s released work is formed by the fusion of Primus’ funky bass and the classic, psychedelic Lennon sound. They have previously released “Cricket and the Genie.”
Monolith of Phobos will be released June 3 and immediately followed up with a three month US tour. The duo had already announced upcoming appearances at Bonnaroo and the Peach Music Festival this summer. They will be joined by Beastie Boys’ Mark Ramos Nishita and Fungi Band’s Paul Baldi will to complete the road band. Lennon and Claypool previously toured together last summer when Ghost of A Saber Tooth Tiger opened for Primus.
Listen to Monolith‘s first track, “Mr. Wright,” and view the finalized album artwork, below.
On recording with Lennon, Claypool says:
“Usually I play the drums and percussion on my records but Sean has such a different feel than I do, it just made more sense for him to man the kit on most of the tunes on this project. I took the helm at my old vintage API console and let him bang away. He was happy as a piggy rolling in shit every time he grabbed the sticks…his drumming is like a cross between Ringo and Nick Mason. But I think folks will be most surprised by what a monster guitar player he is, especially when you prod him a bit.”
Lennon has been in blithe spirits. He stated:
“It’s been an honor and a challenge, playing with someone of Les’ caliber, but luckily the Gods of Pinot Noir shone favorably down and granted us a bundle of devilish tunes about monkeys, outer space and sexual deviancy.”
It seems the band’s career is off to a harmonious start. See the final Monolith of Phobos tracklist below.
The Monolith of Phobos
01. “The Monolith of Phobos”
02. “Cricket and the Genie (Movement I, the Delirium)”
03. “Cricket and the Genie (Movement II, Oratorio Di Cricket)”
04. “Mr. Wright”
05. “Boomerang Baby”
06. “Breath of a Salesman”
07. “Captain Lariat”
08. “Ohmerica”
09. “Oxycontin Girl”
10. “Bubbles Burst”
11. “There’s No Underwear in Space”
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