Primus

Looking back on nearly 30 years, Primus’ music has certainly evolved, but their latest, Green Naugahyde (2011) hearkens back to those early days, circa Frizzle Fry. It comes 12 years after Antipop (1999), a time when Primus lost their musical drive, aspirations and confidence, Claypool says. “We were reaching the end of our creative rope. The well was just dry, so we just started sucking mud,” he says with a laugh. So they went on hiatus, a break Claypool says led to a personal musical renaissance. “I’ve gotten to play with incredible musicians, and I’ve stretched myself more than I have ever have,” Claypool says. “To come back to Primus, it’s been extraordinarily refreshing. We’ve been reinvigorated.” It shows with the 12 gems on Green Naugahyde, written with drummer Jay Lane, who played with them before their 1989 debut album. Lane “gives the new material a lot of bounce” like the first albums, and that has kept both the band and fans excited for this tour.