One Day As A Lion

Zach de la Rocha is finally back on record, and he’s still raging against a machine, so to speak. This time, though, instead of being backed by one of the more creative guitarists of our generation, he’s backed by ex-Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore. To be quite honest, I feel the latter better suits de la Rocha’s instantly recognizable delivery, making One Day As A Lion’s self-titled EP an extremely intriguing release.

While we’re only served five songs, and each pretty much sticks to the same template, each carries a few small nuances that combine to offer the listener a real treat. The songs employ an absolutely killer live-off-the-floor drum sound that acts as the main backbone to de la Rocha’s flow, with synth-moulded funky guitar licks and bass leads tossed in for good measure. Frankly, this stripped down type of accompaniment lets de la Rocha’s flow take centre stage, and yet always has enough musical presence offer more kick than even one of Timbaland’s tighter beats. This may be an apples-to-oranges scenario, but what I’m trying to get across is that de la Rocha is at home with a live-sounding act, and he’s seemingly found his sweet spot working with Theodore.

The lyricism on the record is extremely conscious, as one would expect, finding de la Rocha employing a similar tone to that adopted on earlier Rage releases, although it seems like he’s slightly better read, dropping more obscure diction and allusions than ever before.

The lead to “Wild International” is really soulful and funky, working well with de la Rocha’s delivery to kick off the album; however, it’s moments like de la Rocha’s attempt at melody in the chorus of “Ocean View” and the catchy off-time chorus of “One Day As A Lion” that really make this record special – exploring new and competent sides of an oft-dubbed one trick pony.

If you’re a fan of de la Rocha in any shape, pick this one up. Some might be disappointed in the lack of anything that’ll get frat guys screaming at parties in the vein of “Killing In The Name,” but maybe that’s a good thing.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Wild International
02. Ocean View
03. Last Letter
04. If You Fear Dying
05. One Day As A Lion

Run Time: 20:14