For decades, Maynard James Keenan has explored various musical styles through his work with Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer. Heavy riffs and complex rhythms usually defined Tool’s sound since their formation in the 1990s, but imagine what they would sound like in an acoustic setting. A series of covers from an emerging musician, Peter Spiker, shows just that, giving an example of the most stripped-down version of our favorites from the band’s catalog.
Fear Inoculum (2019)
The title track from Tool’s 2019 album has a calm, layered sound with steady rhythms. Spiker’s cover doubles down on that aspect, replacing electric guitars with soft, fingerpicked acoustic parts. This gives the song a smooth and simple feel, emphasizing the track’s harmonic elements.
Parabola (2002)
‘Parabola’ from the ‘Lateralus’ album alternates between calm melodies and intense, fast-paced parts, creating a sense of balance along with energetic bursts. Spiker’s version tones down the loudness and highlights its reflective side. The soft guitar playing and calm singing bring out the song’s meaning.
Schism (2001)
First single from the same 2000 album, this song normally stands out with its instantly recognizable bassline and changing rhythms. In Spiker’s interpretation, the complex rhythm is simplified, making the lyrics more noticeable much like ‘Parabola,’ though the guitar parts keep the song’s original feel.
The Pot (2006)
This Grammy-nominated track is the second single from Tool’s ‘10,000 Days’ album. Criticizing hypocrisy and societal double standards, it originally features bold vocals and a groovy bassline unlike Spiker’s acoustic version, which removes the electric sound and gives it a plain and raw style.
Vicarious (2006)
Also from the band’s 2006 record, ‘Vicarious’ talks about modern media through a dramatic instrumental arrangement with heavy guitar riffs. The cover reduces the intensity and highlights the song’s lyrical themes and underlying melody.
