Joseph Mulhollen has some very unique and intriguing inspiration behind his new album Problematical Animals.
“I had an archaeology professor who would use the term ‘problematical animals’ to describe any archaeological artifact depicting an unidentifiable animal. Specifically, animals with the body of one animal, the head of another, the legs of another, tails, horns, etc. Archaeologists considered them to be mythical creatures, or deities.”
Problematical Animals (Scenic Route Records) features 16 songs, each one representing a different problematical animal. Mulhollen uses each track to tell the tale of one of these creatures, its conflicts, and its motives while drawing parallels to his life and the lives around him.
So how about the music? Glad you asked.
Problematical Animals is a pop rock opera. This music is dense, complex, layered, and (to put the icing on the cake) Mulhollen composed, programmed, and played all the instruments and synthesizers that appear throughout this masterpiece.
You will hear elements from the genres of folk, bluegrass, rock, pop, and electronic music all combined seamlessly to create something fresh and exciting.
I typically try and compare bands to more established acts in these reviews but Joseph Mulhollen really doesn’t compare to any other act I know about. Sure you can say, “that sounds like X” or “this sounds like Y” – but this album is truly unique…problematical, if you will.
Problematical Animals ends Mulhollen’s 4 year hiatus from the indie music scene. After moving to Baltimore (from Buffalo) recently, his passion for creating music was reignited.
Listen below or go grab the album and artwork (courtesy of Patience Wyman).
Connect with Joseph on Facebook.
