Releasing a digital-only EP the day after New Year's, and thus neglecting the cash windfall of stocking-stuffer season, proves a curious move for any established artist, but downright shocking for a man as notoriously money grubbing as Billy Corgan.
That's right. Amidst all the holiday chaos, the revamped Smashing Pumpkins issued "American Gothic," four tracks of new material that supplement their revival album "Zeitgeist."
While both titles reek of pretension, the former actually bears little resemblance to its long-playing big brother.
The new mini-album largely abandons the loud, grating guitars that made "Zeitgeist" such an unforgiving listen. Instead, The Thin Bald Duke trades ear bleed for folky strumming, volume for tunes. Think "Adore" on Prozac.
The pretty acoustic jaunt of "Rose March" displays Corgan's uncanny knack for melody, and demonstrates restraint, a characteristic not typical of the man who once released a two-hour concept album about day and night.
"Again, Again, Again," though falling short in the clever titles arena, follows suit as it pairs thumping savant Jimmy Chamberlain's catchy fills with a big, hummable chorus.
"Pox" features a cool rumbling bass line ripped straight from the Mellon Collie b-side "Set the Ray to Jerry," and "Sunkissed" would sound like The Cure if Robert Smith had an acute nasal infection.
"American Gothic" is certainly not a return to form. Playing this side by side with "Siamese Dream" is not unlike walking through a finger painting exhibit after touring the Louvre. However. it is pretty good, and that's saying a lot for these Pumpkins.
