Album Review: The Smashing Pumpkins Shakes Off the Dust and Hits Reset With ‘Aghori Mhori Mei’

Since the grand reunion of the legendary trio of The Smashing Pumpkins’– the ever-enigmatic Billy Corgan, the cool cat James Iha, and the thunderous Jimmy Chamberlin – this band has been nothing short of a sonic rollercoaster, folks. Forget about taking the easy road; these guys have been zigzagging through an electrifying maze of musical escapades. Their journey has been packed with those timid little steps back into the spotlight, surprise left turns that leave you scratching your head, and those grandiose, over-the-top moments that scream, “Yeah, we’re still the kings of alt-rock!”

Predictability? Pfft, that’s for bands stuck in a creative rut. The Pumpkins have been dishing out the unexpected like your favorite mystery novel, and isn’t that what keeps us hooked? Just when you think you’ve got them figured out, they whip out a curveball that sends you tumbling down the rabbit hole. And honestly, that’s the thrilling ride we’ve signed up for. So buckle up, because with The Smashing Pumpkins, the only thing you can expect is the unexpected. And oh, what a glorious ride it is.

The last three records were…well, whatchamacallit? Meh. The Rick Rubin produced ‘Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1’, was the musical equivalent of stretching before a marathon—warming up those rusty joints, trying to remember how to run this race. Then came ‘CYR’, a synth-rock double album that ballooned with sound but started to feel like that extra-large soda you regret halfway through. And let’s not forget 2023’s ‘ATUM’, a three-part saga packed with lack of imagination and production choices as sharp as a cheese grater to the ear.

The album follows last year’s 33-song LP ‘Atum’

The common thread? Inspiration was clearly running wild in the Pumpkins camp, but someone, please, hand these guys an editing pencil and a compass! We got abstruse concepts and a deluge of over thirty songs. It’s like being buried under an avalanche of ideas with no roadmap to dig you out. All this chaos brings us to the mystical album thirteen, ‘Aghori Mhori Mei‘. Surprise-dropped just two weeks before release, with zero singles to lead the charge—because why not keep everyone on their toes? This is The Smashing Pumpkins, after all, and predictability just isn’t in their vocabulary. No grandiose claims from the band, no harsh critiques of their previous work to manipulate expectations—just a straightforward promise of 10 tracks, clocking in at just under 45 minutes. It’s like the Pumpkins are saying, “Hey, let’s get back to basics and just rock.” And honestly, that might be the best twist of all.

It’s as if the Pumpkins have finally dialled into the pulse of what fans crave: a more direct, less labyrinthine experience that hits all the right notes without the extra baggage. If ‘Aghori Mhori Mei‘ can deliver on this promise, it might just be the album that brings everyone together, offering a simpler, yet undeniably satisfying dose of classic Pumpkins magic.

From the first riff of ‘Edin,’ it’s evident: The Pumpkins are roaring back to life with a vengeance. Corgan, Chamberlin, and Iha have locked into a groove that shakes the very foundations, proving they still have that seismic impact. The guitars create a formidable wall of sound, while Chamberlin’s drumming delivers a masterclass in propelling rhythm. It’s a powerful reintroduction that kicks off the album with a bang. Then comes ‘Pentagrams,’ where Corgan mixes heartache with heavy bass and haunting guitar lines. The track’s anthemic chorus adds a layer of grandeur to the otherwise moody tune, showcasing the band’s ability to blend raw emotion with their signature rock sound. The track feels like a grand sequel to “In Lieu of Failure,” offering a tantalizing bridge to the experimental sounds of ATUM. However, this one dials up the complexity, weaving a more intricate tapestry of sound. It also resonates with the album’s other prog-inspired gems, such as the brooding “999,” which uses haunting piano interludes to evoke a gothic, melancholic aura.

With tracks like ‘Who Goes There’ and ‘Goeth The Fall’ delivering such unforgettable hooks, it’s a head-scratcher why none of them were teased before ‘Aghori Mhori Mei‘ hit the shelves. And oh, those riffs! On tracks like ‘Sighommi’ and ‘War Dreams Of Itself,’ the band unleashes some of their heaviest, most electrifying riffs in years. They’re not just heavy—they’re alive with excitement and raw energy, a far cry from the self-conscious chug-fest of 2007’s ‘Zeitgeist.’ Amidst the headbanging anthems, ‘Pentecost’ takes a delightful detour into the realm of sweeping romance. With its rich string arrangement, the track offers a cinematic flourish that showcases the band’s softer side. “Sicarus” channels that gritty 1989 vibe with a relentless, unforgiving metal riff and a chorus that packs a punch, it’s a track that doesn’t pull any punches. The real treat comes with the bridge, where Chamberlin unleashes a drumming assault that’s nothing short of exhilarating, giving the track a moment of thunderous, unrestrained energy. Ending on a high note with the majestic, baroque orchestral ballad ‘Murnau,’ ‘Aghori Mhori Mei’ wraps up as a remarkably elegant and moving experience.

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Concluding thoughts

So there you have it—’Aghori Mhori Mei’ is the wild, exhilarating comeback we didn’t know we needed. After a few stumbles, The Smashing Pumpkins have returned with a bang, delivering a knockout blend of old-school grit and fresh innovation. The album feels like a thrilling jaunt through their classic sound, but with a crisp, focused edge. It’s a rocking ride that balances raw power with sophisticated touches, proving that these legends still know how to dazzle. So, turn up the volume, let your hair down, and enjoy the ride—The Smashing Pumpkins are back, and they’re rocking with style!