After almost thirty years and thirty million records sold, not to mention two Grammy awards and continued support from hundreds of millions of fans worldwide, one would think that The Smashing Pumpkins might want to take some time for themselves to just relax and reflect upon it all. However, retirement, let alone even a vacation, does not appear to be on any horizon belonging to the lineup of Billy Corgan (guitar/vocals), James Iha (guitar), and Jimmy Chamberlain (drums).
Looking at their reign of dominance, not only did they seemingly just release the ambitiously large three album project Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts between 2022 and 2023, but recently digitally put out another album called Aghori Mhori Mei on August 2, 2024. What is their 13th overall studio album, and set for physical release on November 22nd, topping it all off, the band is also on an international tour and is currently rippling across the globe. With the European leg concluded, they will entertain the United States next with an extensive list of dates, then travel down south for a tour of Latin America. Classified as a Rock-n-Roll album, Aghori Mhori Mei lets the world know that the Alternative Rock legends have no interest in backing away.
Interestingly enough, The Smashing Pumpkins made the decision not to release any singles prior to the publishing of the record; which may have limited the amount of fanfare revolving around its presentation, but it also negated any possibility of foreshadowing the trajectory of the album, or creating buzz, both positive and negative. This in mind, as soon as the clock strikes on the first note of the opener, “Edin,” you are thrust into a hypnotic riff, almost beckoning ears to pay attention more closely, as if to say, ‘hey, watch out ahead.’ Justisablely so, it charges into a dance between guitar and bass, supported by the strong vocals of Corgan, and the rolling thunder of Chamberlain on the kit.
Overall, the chemistry between Corgan, Iha, and Chamberlain is undeniable. Each member plays their part with such intricate ferocity that it quickly becomes apparent that the decision not to release any singles ahead of Aghori Mhori Mei’s release was quite a savvy move. With that decision, every track is critical to the listening experience with every note played and every small riff orchestrated propels the audience forward with greater impact than they would have been subjected to if they had previously heard any of the material.
Although the entirety of the album plays at a high level, and shows the musicianship and creativity of the members, there are some tracks that just rise above. For example, “Who Goes There” is an airy composition that plays like a love-child of Oasis and The Killers and creates a feeling that something beautiful is just over the hill, so close you can touch it, and that the only thing to do is keep chugging along. The immediate next, “999, expertly switches the energy of that particular album section; raising blood pressure and the resting heartbeat of all fans, but maintaining the David vs. Goliath attitude that permeates throughout the entire work.
It appears that The Smashing Pumpkins had intentions with Aghori Mhori Mei to keep pushing us forward. There are calls to our hearts and minds, demands to remain consistent in your ability to move forward, heal, and grow. In fact, “Murnau” (the concluding track on the record), ends with an emotional orchestra supported through the band’s playing, but it was the big red bow that the album needed. Once again, this band provides us all with a much needed break from the negativity and down-trodden elements of our lives. That is why Cryptic Rock deems The Smashing Pumpkins’ Aghori Mhori Mei a must listen, and gives it 4 out of 5 stars.
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