TOOL - Fear Inoculum: Every Song Ranked From Worst To Best
3. Pneuma
Do you enjoy meditation? You do now, listener.
Pensive and reflective, "Pneuma" begins with some Adam Jones strumming. He's soon accompanied by Justin Chancellor's based to create an almost metronomic sound before Danny Carey even comes in at 1:36. From there, the drummer pulls it all together, keeping the song's gentle repetitions alive behind his kit to ensure that "Pneuma," much like the rest of Fear Inoculum, pulls you in gently as opposed to grabbing you by the throat.
Another catchy chorus ("We are will and wonder, abound to recall, remember/We are born of one breath, one word/We are all one spark, sun becoming.") gives way to powerful but loose guitar chords. Vibe-wise, it's a spacier and more atmospheric experience than the preceding track ("Fear Inoculum"). Let it sink its claws into you. Let it get inside your head. Let it and Fear Inoculum wash over you.
Shifting gracefully between lighter and harder sections, "Pneuma" clenches tightly and let's go intermittently. The greatest release comes towards the end as Carey's tribal rhythm punctuates the returning post-chorus riff, ensuring that even if you prefer heavy Tool to their lighter side, your itch will be scratched.