Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble
by Primus
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Oct 21, 2014
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Kerrang!
    Dec 16, 2014
    60
    While this retains their characteristic strangeness, you could argue it isn't the best use of their considerable talents. [8 Nov 2014, p.54]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Record Collector
    Nov 12, 2014
    60
    He and Alexander have also stayed mostly away from the slap-bass and funk drums that made Primus’ early hits so compelling, so don’t expect the usual extravagant workouts. Instead, this album is best viewed as the point where Claypool’s interests in film and music meet at a sort of psychedelic flashpoint.
  3. Uncut
    Nov 11, 2014
    60
    It's all a little too eagerly oddball at times, but generally avoids the trapdoor marked Novelty. [Dec 2014, p.78]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Alternative Press
    Nov 6, 2014
    60
    Certain segments remain faithful to the original material while others are unrecognizable through veils of sawing bass, guitar clank, expansive percussion marches and a gang of 50-year-old dudes reliving their adolescence through music and busted guts. [Dec 2014, p.107]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. PopMatters
    Oct 23, 2014
    60
    As an experiment in radically rearranging existing music, this album is a massive success. As a listenable album, though, it falls a bit short.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Reviewer138
    Jan 26, 2017
    9
    What you would expect from Primus covering a classic musical score. Some complain about the repetition of the Oompa Loompa songs, this isWhat you would expect from Primus covering a classic musical score. Some complain about the repetition of the Oompa Loompa songs, this is similar to the film, and connects the album's songs together as the musical soundtrack. In addition, each one varies slightly, and the lyrics are different. Some may say it is a novelty, I call it a loving tribute to the film.… Full Review »
  2. Danm95VFF
    Apr 20, 2016
    7
    Replicating the Chocolate Factory soundtrack by utilising Primus' trademark funk rock sound is certainly an interesting idea. There's nothingReplicating the Chocolate Factory soundtrack by utilising Primus' trademark funk rock sound is certainly an interesting idea. There's nothing wrong with the execution from where I'm standing, but I feel as though it's lacking that hard-rocking punch that Primus albums usually contain. Returning drummer Tim Alexander is thankfully given plenty of opportunity to show off. The main issue here is that if you're not as big a fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory as you are of Primus, this album doesn't have quite as much to offer as usual Primus releases.… Full Review »
  3. ydnar4
    Nov 5, 2014
    8
    Les Claypool is a genius for ever thinking this up. Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble is a reconstructed version of theLes Claypool is a genius for ever thinking this up. Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble is a reconstructed version of the soundtrack from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, a soundtrack that many people young and old know. The music is weird as it should be and Claypool's vocals are spot on for this album. Its too bad they couldn't have released a short film as a companion to the album or maybe there will be a remake of the film that would feature Primus' soundtrack. I'd sure be up for it.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »