A clever dude, Mike Patton. When his appeal became more selective, he became more selective with his appeal. Now he fronts a crypto-noise outfit named Fantomas and the aptly labelled Mr. Bungle, even though the threat of a Faith No More reunion has never fully receded. The lost years of excessive behaviour in the world's stadia might have gone, but the stadium attitude has never deserted this San Francisco resident. Tonight's sizeable venue can barely contain the projection of his ego.
Mr. Bungle are funny. Not in a laughable way, but as a mischievous musical prospect. Existing in a realm where a snatch of Frankie Valli's 'Grease' segues seamlessly into bilious, angry noise and then into some bar-room lounge jazz would drive most people crazy if they lacked humour.
Which isn't to dismiss the deadly seriousness in the way the eccentrically dressed retinue of drummer, percussionist, bassist and sundry operatives go about their business. Whether Mr. Bungle attempt a piano ballad that seems like a distant cousin of The Commodores' 'Easy', indulge in cod-dub or simply supply the moshpit with nasty headbanger brute-force rhythms, the troupe from hell are always engrossed in their charitable musical works.
If anything, Mike Patton seems to have beaten a retreat to the past, not to copy, but to relocate the wayward spirit that made Faith No More. He's doing just fine.
NEW! For the latest music videos and backstage interviews, check out our brand new sister site, NME Video.
Comments do not always reflect the views of NME, or IPC Media, for guidelines visit our Ts & Cs page