Maynard James Keenan’s(Tool, A Perfect Circle) Multi-Media project Puscifer is in the mixing stage of a new album that was apparently recorded at his Caduceus Vineyards in Northern Arizona.  The project itself is a constantly changing cast of Musicians, Song Writers, and other artists that share Keenan’s vision of sonic and visual exploration.  The title of the new album right now is “Conditions Of My Parole” and will supposedly be out October 18.  The ethereal atmosphere of the Arizona Desert as well as it’s creatures and inhabitants heavily influenced the recordings.  Keenan says in this interview with SPIN that it was much different than recording in an LA studio and the group was able to work at their own pace.

The part of this story that interests me the most is the recording of the music in close proximity to the wine from Keenan’s vineyards.  According to EHow Food’s Roland Hume, sound and vibration can have an effect on the constant evolution that is wine. 

“Today’s wine enthusiasts should be similarly aware of the effects of sound and vibration on their stored vintages. Those who enjoy white wine, for example, should make sure their refrigerators are running smoothly and silently even if their wines are only being stored there for a few days or hours. Vibration and “rattle” from fridges is a common problem and can dislodge sediment in older bottles of wine; compromising both their taste and clarity. Those storing wines in cellars or caves should be similarly aware of rattling air conditioners or proximity to highways which cause ambient vibration. Both run the risk of affecting your stored wine.”

Hume also sites an order from the Mayor of Logrono, Spain in 1635 that banned carts from moving down the towns cobblestone streets so as not to influence the aging of nearby barrels of  wine.  According to Hume even the slightest vibrations can influence movement in the sediment in bottles and alter the evolutionary path of the vino.  Some wine makers invest in the quietest refrigeration and air conditioning units to avoid any such disruption.

But it seems Keenan is not to concerned about this.  I’m sure he is aware of the preceding facts.  I’m willing to speculate he is now adding Wine aging to Puscifers multi media list of accomplishments.  I bet the barrels that were directly exposed to Puscifer’s vibrations will bear the bands name on the label when it comes time to bottle.  That’s if the experiment is a success and the spirit of the music mingles with the grapes lovingly.  This could open up a whole new music/wine making process.  Maybe vineyards will hire bands and musicians to send the right sonic massage to there product.  I wonder what would happen to wine if it were exposed to Keenan’s other band Tool.  I’m not a winemaker but I would guess it would be shocked into some kind of searingly strong liquid that would make you shoot flames out of your ears and ass.  I’d try it.