Surfacing

“Army of Anyone”

Army of Anyone

Firm Music

Artist info: Richard Patrick’s all-too-human vocals (could that be a touch of Yes’ Jon Anderson?) soar above the Zeppelinisms, although mercifully not in the traditionally operatic chest-voice fashion. Well-chosen harmonies on choruses and an array of some of the most surprising guitar sounds heard on a commercial rock record this year characterize this descendant of Stone Temple Pilots and Filter. The rhythm section drives hard through surprising harmonic left-turns and meter changes -- drummer Ray Luzier particularly resurrects the spirit of Zep’s John Bonham -- and then glides effortlessly into a dreamy ‘70s-era ballad. The overall production is masterful wide-screen stereo in an old-school way, thanks to producer Bob Ezrin, who handled Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.”

Back story: In keeping with trends of new bands formed from the detritus of vaunted rock lineage, Army of Anyone is something of an alt-rock supergroup. Guitarist Dean DeLeo and bassist Robert DeLeo were founding members of Stone Temple Pilots. While in that group, they had numerous encounters with Filter singer Richard Patrick and a friendship developed. After many jam sessions and a collaboration writing “A Better Place,” a song that surfaces on this album, they decided to form a band. Luzier, who had backed David Lee Roth for several years and recorded with a gaggle of hard-rock players, was brought in to round out the lineup. Industry estimates of 20,000 sales for the first week would suggest that this army is starting to conquer listeners.

Influences: Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, King Crimson, various ‘70s stoner metal bands.

Trivia: Richard Patrick insists that Filter still exists, although his priorities have shifted to Army of Anyone.