Fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement over the new CD release by
Future User, #SteroidsOrHeroin (Feb. 24), described as “Progtronic,” a mix of electronic and prog rock. Future
User is comprised of Rage Against The Machine bassist Tim Commerford (bass & vocals), multi-instrumentalist
Jordan Tarlow on keys, and acclaimed session drummer Jon Knox. Super-producer Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam,
Bruce Springsteen, Rage Against The Machine) joined on guitars.
Future User has already attracted a lot of attention for its controversial videos. The first, “Clockwork,” found
tennis legend John McEnroe being waterboarded. “Supernatural,” about the NSA’s mass surveillance, featured a
cameo by comic book legend Stan Lee, who typically only appears in Marvel blockbuster films. “Medication
Nation” highlighted the controversy surrounding genetically modified foods, and the latest video, “Mountain
Lion,” featured a cameo appearance by controversial cycling legend Lance Armstrong.
Mixed by Tom Syrowski (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC), #SteroidsOrHeroin is a perfect showcase for
Knox’s drumming, a creative mix of strong, syncopated backbeat and finesse supporting the layered electronic
sonic template Tarlow provides. Knox breathes life into each composition supporting Commerford’s furious bass
lines and Tarlow’s antique analog synth experiments, which are best heard on songs like “Voodoo JuJu.”
“Mountain Lion” delivers a driving, progressive intensity featuring Armstrong challenging Commerford on a
voice message. “TFU” channels old-school punk, electronic and prog-rock beats. “Medication Nation” has a
focused, relentless beat showcasing cool break beats, while “Fool Parade” features bombastic tribal drumming
and snappy fills, followed by solid backbeat supporting the sonic pallet of analog synths. “Supernatural” is an
epic cinematic rock piece with various stand-out moments on drums intertwined with bass and rhythmic guitar.
#SteroidsOrHeroin fulfills a long-elusive goal for Knox to work again with longtime friend Commerford,
channeling the prog-rock music vibe similar to the influences they both grew up playing together. “I remember
jamming out and talking for hours with our friends about Rush tunes and listening to the latest prog, metal or
punk stuff and being challenged by the latest riffs of our music heroes,” Knox shares.
Pictured (l-r): Tim Commerford and Jon Knox
Growing up, Knox and Commerford both played in several local Orange County bands together, including one
with No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont. Knox also drummed for Tom Morello’s former band Lock-Up, and it was
after that band’s breakup that Knox moved to Nashville to pursue recording and touring opportunities with
various artists. But he encouraged Commerford and Zack de la Rocha to jam with Tom Morello and drummer
Brad Wilk. That lineup went on to form Rage Against The Machine.
