Smashing Pumpkins - Monuments To An Elegy

If there’s one thing in the Smashing Pumpkins’ leader and alt rock icon Billy Corgan’s 25 year career that has remained constant, it’s his absolute conviction and determination to follow his own path despite all manner of criticism. This strength of character and personality has helped to make him such an enduring and divisive presence. After a tumultuous career peppered with incredible highs, excruciating lows, fallouts, tantrums and rebirths, it’s a testament to the man and the band that has defined him that ‘Monuments To An Elegy’, the Pumpkins’ tenth studio recording, is a triumph.

As with most of Corgan’s work, this album sees yet another reconfiguration of the Pumpkins line up. Indeed, it’s not particularly clear who in fact makes up the Smashing Pumpkins in 2014 with only Corgan himself and guitarist Jeff Schroeder listed as official members. A notable addition to the band for this album though, is 80s metal legend Tommy Lee of Motley Cru who fills the drum stool. Primarily, and perhaps unfairly, known more as a rock hell raiser rather than a drummer, his muscular playing stands out and helps to give the album a pleasing rock heft.

Aside from the addition of Lee, the album features a notable lightness of touch with a clutch of gloriously melodious and wistful rock songs. ‘Being Beige’s’ gentle piano and sweeping guitar rush provide a nice accompaniment to Corgan’s plaintive voice at its sweetest. There’s a sense throughout songs like the graceful yearning pop of ‘Run2Me’ and ‘Drum+Fife’ that Corgan has found a way to make music that is still packed with grandeur while dialling down the tendency to fall into overblown pomposity.