Puscifer staged a theatrical spectacular at the San Diego Civic Theatre
On Wednesday May 13th, Puscifer, the electronic and experimental rock group fronted by famed rock vocalist Maynard James Keenan brought their Normal Isn’t tour to the San Diego Civic Theatre. This unique band has built an extensive catalog, now touring in support of their 5th album, also called Normal Isn’t, since releasing their first EP, Don’t Shoot The Messenger, in 2007 and playing their first live shows in 2009. The fascinating project is the brainchild of frontman and singer MJK, famous for his work with his other bands and collaborations including metal heavyweights Tool and A Perfect Circle. The core trio of Puscifer is rounded out by Carina Round, a brilliantly talented avant-garde vocalist and performer who serves as the perfect muse and foil for Maynard in this project. Guitarist Mat Mitchell is also featured. He is an inventive player by any measure who creates truly one-of-a-kind guitar lines and phrasing that somehow works within this chaotic symphony.
It’s so hard to describe Puscifer’s sound and style in words, but experimental rock music seems the best fit. The band features performance art, comedy, multimedia, and above all, high-quality, heavy rock and roll in distinctly odd time signatures. Their songs are hard to pin down but infinitely interesting, weaving ostinatos and rhythmic patterns with haunting vocals and heavy metal inspired riffing. Each musician on stage is clearly a master of their craft, working together to perform very intricate and precisely designed music and performance art. Rounding out the live Puscifer band was Gunnar Olsen on drums, an amazing player who can somehow make sense of all the musical and literal chaos happening onstage while still keeping a rock-steady beat. And last but not least was bassist Josh Moreau, a talented multi-instrumentalist who has worked with bands like The Mars Volta and Awolnation, his heavy bottom end sound was massive. As Maynard played around onstage—at points pacing, dancing, and inappropriately manipulating a shake weight—he also delivered an incredibly nuanced and beautiful vocal performance as he always does.
This was the second-to-last night of this tour, which wrapped in Los Angeles on May 14th. And as usual with this band, phones were not allowed for the majority of the concert, Maynard allowed people to film only the very last song. This policy always feels weird at first, but it eventually allows for a more focused concert experience for everyone, especially the performers. Anyone familiar with MJK’s many projects will recognize this policy. The band performed an extensive 18 song setlist, including a really funny video segment and intermission, which allowed everyone some screen time in the lobby. The band included all 10 songs from the new Normal Isn’t album at this show with standouts like “Bad Wolf” “Pendulum” and “Self Evident” as crowd-favorite headbangers. The band also played some well known songs from their older albums, including “Grand Canyon,” “The Remedy,” and “Conditions of My Parole.”
This show felt like a really enjoyable theater performance, not just a regular concert, with the band clearly having fun with their costumes and staging. Maynard and Carina were both dressed in fantastic outfits; their insane hair and makeup further enhanced the experience. Additionally, holding this show at the beautifully renovated San Diego Civic Theatre—which recently underwent a $7.5 million remodel and features a beautiful new lobby area—elevated the entire show. If you are a fan of any of Maynard James Keenan’s many projects, or love interesting and experimental music that makes you think, check out Puscifer’s unique brand of rock music. Having this much fun at a concert is normal, isn’t it?
