Album review: Serj Tankian – Covers, Collaborations & Collages

With System Of A Down comfortable with their status as a touring behemoth, resigned to not making another record, we can enjoy what we’re given from the band’s four constituent members. From bassist Shavo Odadjian we got last year’s self-titled Seven Hours After Violet record, while guitarist Daron Malakian channeled any SOAD songs he may have earmarked for a new release into Scars On Broadway’s third album, Addicted To The Violence, earlier this year. Meanwhile, Serj Tankian, always the band’s most intellectual operator, has opted for something completely different.

The mention of ‘covers’ in the title of this new project will likely elicit excitement, though these aren’t necessarily tunes you’re going to find at your local karaoke bar. While back in the day, System would tackle the likes of Black Sabbath (Snowblind) and Wu-Tang Clan (Shame), the most widely recognisable musical figure being covered here is Chris de Burgh – who, interestingly started out in art rock before being more readily associated with the tunes The Lady In Red and popular Christmas hit A Spaceman Came Travelling. Here, Serj tackles the less known I’m Counting On You, though does little to change the original’s skeletal pairing of voice and piano.

For a more beautiful and engaging cover, look no further than the closing track, When Death Arrives. Originally by songwriter Ruben Hakhverdyan, it brings forth the influence of Serj’s Armenian roots, while providing the perfect vehicle for the melancholic yearning in his voice. It won’t come as much of a surprise to learn that this record is at its most interesting when Serj fully engages his weirdness, as on The Seed, his collaboration with producer deadmau5, which finds the singer unfurling his verbose brand of poetry over hyperactive beats to mesmeric effect.

As with any release from Serj, you can’t help but admire his commitment to following his multi-faceted muse wherever she takes him, even if not all of the resulting fruits are of equal enjoyment. A mixed bag, but one that’s never less than interesting.

Verdict: 3/5

For fans of: Mike Patton, Scars On Broadway, Seven Hours After Violet

Covers, Collaborations & Collages is out now via Serjical Strike

Read this next:

• Sobriety, knick-knacks and pooping on porcelain: Life on the road with Shavo Odadjian
• Scar Power: How Daron Malakian learned to let go
• Serj Tankian: “When I started music, I felt like I was given this incredible gift to make whatever comes to me. I don’t ever want to question it”