Mike Patton
Mondo Cane
(Ipecac/Shock)

I'm coming clean: I wouldn't be listening to Mondo Cane if Mike Patton's name wasn't on the cover; I can't understand Italian, and I've never heard the original versions of these songs (barring one track, 'Deep Down', which was the theme song to ace 1968 comic book film adaption Danger:Diabolik). These factors could conspire against my capacity to enjoy this album - but they don't. Mondo Cane is a wholly thrilling ride. Patton possesses one of rock music's most distinctive and admired voices, and while he's the star here, these 11 songs are filled out with depth and colour by the contributions of some 65 orchestral performers. 

While recent Faith No More converts – via their widely-celebrated reunion world tour – might find Patton's latest project a little too challenging, I'd argue that Mondo Cane shows the singer fronting his most accessible act yet. This music speaks to me in a language that the average rock band can't fathom, and I'm not just referring to Patton's fluently-sung Italian. I'm of the opinion that orchestral music moves humans far beyond the emotions that can be summoned by any configuration of guitar, bass and drums; here, Mondo Cane proves my point. From the opening strains of 'Il Cielo In Una Stanza', I'm hooked. This is unlike anything I usually listen to – for the record, my music tastes tends to revolve around differing configurations of guitars, bass and drums – which probably plays a large part in why I find this record so striking. It's escapism from the norm. It's one of rock's greatest voices exploring his range in his second language before an enormously skilled orchestra. I love that a collaboration like this can even exist; never mind the fact that it demands repeat listens.

Patton told me recently that, if he really had to boil it down, the lyrical themes within Mondo Cane encompass "love and loss, heartbreak, and the triumph of suffering". I'm taking his word for it. 'Deep Down' contains the only (fleeting) English to appear on the album; regardless, the wordless melody carried by Patton and his backup singers transcends language barriers. The original, by famed Italian composer Ennio Morricone, is a joy; Patton’s treatment here is nothing short of spectacular. It's preceded by 'Ore D'Amore', another highlight that's characterised by an undercurrent of high-gain guitar, skittering percussion and a brass-led melody. Look. There are 11 songs here. Mondo Cane is best experienced through a process of discovery. Whether you're already a Patton fan or not, I'm issuing a challenge: seek out these songs. Listen to them. Learn the melodies. This is music from the heart. These songs hit me in the same place.

Andrew McMillen