After announcing new album, ‘Eat the Elephant,’ Maynard James Keenan and A Perfect Circle release a third advance single, “TalkTalk.”

After releasing two singles – “The Doomed” and “Disillusioned” – A Perfect Circle has officially announced their return with a new album, Eat the Elephant.  For Maynard James Keenan, it’s been a long time coming.  While most were probably hoping for the return of Tool instead of A Perfect Circle, we’ll take what we can get after such a lengthy hiatus.  In advance of Eat the Elephant, arriving April 20, 2018, Keenan dropped a third single, “TalkTalk.”

“TalkTalk” is set in d minor.  This must be a favorite key for Maynard James Keenan, as it’s been frequently used over the course of his career.  The record has one pure verse, and it’s not particularly assertive structurally. The first chorus, which follows, brings more extra oomph to “TalkTalk.” That oomph includes dropping an f-bomb. Always seems to do the trick…

“Sit and talk like Jesus / Try walkin’ like Jesus / Sit and talk like Jesus / Talk like Jesus / Talk talk talk talk / Get the f*ck out of my way.”

The intense chorus, capped off by that bomb, is followed by an extended bridge.  The bridge is highlighted by lyrics including “don’t be the problem, be the solution” and “Faith without works is… dead.” The first half is much more reserved, sung in an undertone.  The second half is bit more like a second verse, though not quite. Nonetheless, it’s a bit more assertive leading into the second chorus, a variation of the first.

Final Thoughts

Of the first three singles released in advance of Eat the Elephant, “TalkTalk” has been my least favorite.  Perhaps it’s potentially a grower, and then again, perhaps not.  F-bomb or not, this particular record doesn’t punch you in the gut or hit you in the chest.  It’s not subpar by any means, but a bit different.

A Perfect Circle • Eat the Elephant • BMG Rights Management • Release: 4.20.18

Photo Credit: BMG Rights Management