If you were to close your eyes (ears?) and guess what this collaboration would sound like, you would probably get at least 80% of the way there. Les Claypool brings his unique bass sound and theatrical arrangements that he showcased with the band Primus, and Sean Ono Lennon seems to have the DNA of late-era Beatles imprinted in his soul. That combination alone makes for an interesting sound. That they each also bring boundless creativity and no fear of breaking rules is the cherry on top of this engaging listen. But not everybody likes cherries, so whether the extra level of theatrical weirdness makes or breaks this album will be highly personal.
Though they share the composer credits on all the tracks, the two writers leave unmistakable stamps on certain songs. When Lennon shines through, songs have more typical verse/chorus structures, strong messaging, varied instrumentation, and they explore lots of sonic territory a la progressive rock. When Claypool steps forward, expect weirder avant garde free-form, abstract or nonsense lyrics, and theatrical flair.
Through it all is a satirical indictment of modern technological society and the specter of an AI-driven apocalypse. "WAP (What a Predicament)" sets the tone with a bouncy tale about the enshittification of modern society by tech moguls and politicians that enrich themselves at our expense: "There never was any head on this chicken, no matter what they sold." Bright percussion, an eastern-style drone, and a catchy melody and harmonies lend it the aura of Magical Mystery Tour-era Beatles.
