FDF Volume 3 Issue 362 - One Day As A Lion

Album – One Day As A Lion

Artist – One Day As A Lion
Key Players – Zack de la Rocha – vocals, keyboards. Jon Theodore – drums, percussion. Joey Karam – keyboards, organ

Produced By - Mario C (mixed)

Release Date – July 22, 2008

Overview – This was a duo formed by Zack de la Rocha (Rage Against the Machine) and Jon Theodore (drummer for the Mars Volta at the time). The two basically just got together for some loose jam sessions that spawned the record. They later added Karam to the band to fill out the sound. They'd release this lone EP and play a few live shows.

FDF Comments (aka the songs) – The record is not very long at all. Just 5 songs running just over 20 minutes. It wastes no time setting the tone as “Wild International” kicks off the record. The driving tempo is almost a simple back beat, but it is the urgency in the delivery from de la Rocha. His style is hard to miss. The low keyboard drones set an haunting tone as they swirl with Theodore’s increasingly urgent drumming. “Ocean View” has a buzzy, almost industrial intro but the tom toms on the drum kit are hit. Both heavily and often. It remains heavy, but as de la Rocha hits the chorus it seems a bit lighter, but really it is not. “Last Letter” continues with the showcase of Theodore. "If You Fear Dying" seems to stand out above the other tracks. Granted it is still similar in its pace and overall feel, it just seems the duo is all the more “on fire”. The record concludes with the title track "One Day as a Lion" The keyboards seem to have more of an active role replicating both guitars and bass. A full sounding track and its hard to keep remembering its no more than three guys.

 

Where are they now?   For de la Rocha its been a long wait for the solo record he has been speaking of since the demise of Rage Against the Machine. He even got back with RATM for some live shows in recent years. I have reason to believe fans will wait, and snatch what they can when its ready. Karam continues to work as a session player. Theodore worked tirelessly in a series of bands and has since become a full time member of Queens of the Stone Age.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off? - If you are a fan of RATM or The Mars Volta's early stuff sure. Its a fun quick and easy record to take in.

 

Links, find out more, follow em and buy!

Facebook

Buy it!

Disclaimer – I am just a music fan. Feel free to comment about something that may be written incorrectly about the band/members etc. I strive to have a fun and enjoyable site. This site used to post mp3s but ran in to many issues. The audio clips provided are usually from YouTube. No copy write infringement is intended. Please alert me if something should be pulled. Finally, support the artist featured, or your favorite artist by purchasing their music, seeing their shows if possible and saying hi. They need your support.