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Wolfmother - Cosmic Egg

Published November 28 2009


*
=Staff's pick

California Queen*
New Moon Rising*
White Feather*
Sundial*
In The Morning
10,000 Feet*
Cosmic Egg*
Far Away*
Pilgrim
In The Castle
Phoenix
Violence Of The Sun


Genre Classic Rock
Andrew Stockdale
Vocals
Tracks 12
Andrew Stockdale
Guitar
Runningtime 54 Min.
Aiden Nemeth
Guitar
Label Interscope
Ian Peres
Bass
Release 23 October 2009
Dave Atkins
Drums
Country Australia
-
Keyboard
Similar artists Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd

While most people spend their Thanksgiving eating and watching football, comminuting the sacred occasion into a gathering of estranged loved ones, and feasting to the point of gluttony, I chose to go completely against the grain.

As an ex-vegetarian, I went almost two decades without eating meat; so, for me, to not indulge in turkey, and all the dressings, was no big deal. I am not into organized sports, I do not even know what teams played; nor do I give a rat skates! Why bedraggle the issue, anyhow?

While the wife and son chose to frequent the Aquarium, and spent time with hypocritical relatives, I opted to stay home, away from the chaos and kerfuffle. Last thing I need is to have some Christian triturate my lifestyle, and excoriate my every choice.

I spent the day alone, cleaning the bathroom, showering, and playing new Wolfmother. This CD has not left my player ever since I checked out a copy from my local library, last week. I know I should be writing reviews for other bands, and labels, who are constantly breathing down my neck, expecting me to jump at their behest. It just turns out that Wolfmother is the one I felt inspired to promote, despite their worldwide web and 'zine coverage.

I had heard the debut, and remember really diggin' it, but in the midst of a deluge of Metal material, I kind of lost track of the band, that is until now. I know I should be playing all this new Metal music which is coming down from my numerous pod casts, but honestly, I have been totally stuck in the '70s! The only other Australian act I have been enjoying is the new Lord. Their new CD - 'Set In Stone' - is a fantastic follow-up to the "Ascendence' release.

All month, I have been celebrating AC/DC - 'Backtracks' - a damn worthy purchase assembled in the classic box set fashion. Unlike like new Bon Jovi, Cheap Trick, Alice In Chains, or the new criterion for poor packaging - Chicketfoot, AC/DC give their fans what they deserve for a fair price. The working amplifier edition is a must for any die-hard! So what if the Chickenfoot is re-issued with a DVD and a bonus track, the way it is packaged sucks!

All fall, I have really been enjoying playing all these killer Beatles remastered releases, which I have been finding at the library. If it were not for the awesome Beatallica, I would have written off "The Fab Four" ages ago!

I also just checked out the Jethro Tull box set from the library, and the "Isle Of Wight" live performance DVD from 1970. An added feature of this has Ian Anderson and the boys playing with their then guitarist - Tony Iommi!

This all leads me into why new Wolfmother is such an excellent release. The sound is pure '70s groove, with that retro bluesy vibe. The only other time I heard a band this good, in the last decade - who perfect this journey into nostalgia - is when I jam to The Answer from Ireland. They just released their full length album - 'Everyday Demons' - earlier this year.

I remember how this sound and style was very prevalent in the early '90's with the so-called "Grunge" acts like Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, and Smashing Pumpkins. All initial works from those bands were stellar, suggesting a real sidereal, supersonic '70s vibe. They were only dubbed as being "Grunge" based on their appearance, not their musical innovations. Even acts like Helmet, Sugartooth, Mind Funk, etc. had the right idea.

It all became overblown as a marketing scheme, and the "Seattle Sound" was what all set out to achieve. This was supposedly the death of metal, but in actuality, it was the separation of the quality acts from the chattel, and all that poseur, "Big Hair Band" bullshit. Thankfully, new Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains are a return to their roots, and Tesla have maintained their integrity.

Wolfmother have captured the essence of the '70s in every respect. The bookends to their library of inspiration can be found in Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. The rubrics to reconnaissance are etched in the archives of Acid Rock. The old oak shelves, which store the vital information, are built upon the solid foundation of Aerosmith, Queen, Nazareth, Uriah Heep, April Wine, Thin Lizzy, UFO, and their ilk. The dark, cosmic, egregious stories and moon lore are painted with the atmospheric pentimento presence of Pink Floyd, charged by the high voltage of AC/DC.

Forgot about those lame doom and stoner pretenders to the throne like The Sword. These Aussies are the real deal. 'Cosmic Egg' should have been Metal Covenant's album of the month, not the boooring Katatonia!. Eddie Trunk and his comedic mettle band of thieves on VH1's "That Metal Show" should select this album, as their weekly pick; since Wolfmother clearly blow Buckcherry away, lyrically and musically!

Three years after the 'S/T', Andrew Stockdale returns with a brand new line-up of quality musicians; although, he is the colossal mind's eye which keeps this love train a' rollin on through the night. Alan Moulder's production is resplendent.

Your heart will begin pumping, your head nodding, your feet stomping once the raucous riffs rip into your ears, with the opening chords of "California Queen. Maybe I need to check my brain, but Andrew's perspicuous Sabbathy Ozzy vocals are just so feral, eerie, and mesmerizing.

The groove laden, multi-dimensional "New Moon Rising" - wails with wit, craft, and euphoric mystical ongoing fervour. While the concatenation of the corybantic fluff, and wistful "White Feather" falls peacefully into place.

The surreal "Sundial" points to a pure "Nativity In Black" aria, with a resonating Hendrix guitar tone summoning the electric lady to land, not too far away. Balancing out the scales of influence, "In the Morning" houses a wholly eastern feel which carries "Kashmir" into another dimension, where the phoenix will again rise into the sky.

Only a mere ten thousand feet below the Saxon song "20,000 Feet", "10,000 Feet" plays upon Cheap Trick and their ascending dream place. The title track "Cosmic Egg" cracks the mirror of similarity with Norman Greenbaum's - "Spirit In The Sky" - a song made popular on the 'Wayne's World 2' Soundtrack. Apparently the album earned its title by alluding to the yoga fetal position. The booklet is replete with cosmic images of floating picturesque egg imagery.

Like the Steve Miller Band, if the joker Mr. Stockendale thieves his vocal attitude from his '70s icons, then he clearly levels the playing field with his smooth attempt at emulating the late, great John Lennon. "Far Away" is a good example of this, showcasing Lennon's solo singing style. This song builds into a beautiful crescendo honoring Queen, and the guitar proficiency of Brian May.

In keeping with the rubber soul seeking elements, "Pilgrim" is a 'Magical Mystery Tour' de force revolving around the riff arrangements of Blue Cheer. This insane acid trip will bring you face to face with "Woman" from the debut, and perhaps have you staring into Lucy's diamond eyes.

The Doors were a major background avenue of influence on the debut, with such hits as "White Unicorn" and "Dimension". "In the Castle" continues this ride into the storm, while reigning, then pouring from the cup of April Wine; all the while commiserating with the Spectres' from those Agents of Fortune - Blue Öyster Cult.

"Phoenix" flies high on the wings of Aerosmith, while snapping back with a troubled, yet ready and willing Whitesnake meets Deep Purple dragon tooth stare. The last cut - "Violence Of The Sun" even drifts down the ancient river of Styx, on its way to paradise, experiencing the 'Grand Illusion'. All the well-written songs on 'Cosmic Egg' are all exactly what I would expect from such a talented artist, and band. Each cut is formulated into a macédoine melody of magick and mystery.

There are several versions available for 'Cosmic Egg'. The 16 track Deluxe Edition is the best buy, as it includes "Cosmonaut", "Eyes Open", Caroline", and the first digital download single track - "Back Round".

2009 has been a year to celebrate all the fantastic releases from the "Grandfathers Of Rock" with new Kiss, Spinal Tap, Heaven & Hell, etc. Just when I thought everything was beginning to became blurred, banal, and boring, along comes the refreshing and spontaneous sound of the '70s with a modern vibe. Let us us all suckle the teat, and then drink from the sweet mother's milk of Wolfmother.


Performance
Originality
Production
Vocals
Songwriting

8,5

8

8,5

8,5

8,5

 
Summary



8,5 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel


Related links:

www.wolfmother.com
www.myspace.com/wolfmother