Wolfmother – Dimensions Review
Posted by Frank Estrada on 03.31.2006
NME reports that Wolfmother has beef with England’s The Darkness. That said, I want to like Wolfmother already.
Like the White Stripes and the Strokes before them, Wolfmother is one hit song away from being covered in the American press. Translation, the music presses in the U.K. are already covering them daily. I guess since their album is only available by import only, we are going to have to wait for May when their album is release stateside. Lately I have been reading up on them and from what I read, they are supposed to be good. So here I am with their E.P. Dimensions and let me tell you what I think.
First off it's 4 songs and if you really want to get technical, it's three songs and one instrumental. So they better be good then if this is what I have to judge them on right? Damn right! We start off with the song Dimension and right away I felt something kick me. Remember the band Jet, who sounded like they wanted to rock, but were no better than any of your local bar bands. Yea well Dimension sounds that way, but then just really blows your mind. You can really hear early Black Sabbath in this, and why not? We have enough people trying to sound like Led Zeppelin, its good that other bands have other influences.
Next is the slower Mind's Eye. This took me a couple of listens to really enjoy. It's an odd choice to put right behind an up tempo rocker like Dimension, but with only four songs here, I should have been better prepared. It's a slow, stoner rock groove. It really reminds me of an easer to digest Mars Volta, if they were in the 70's. And of course, a wicked synth solo doesn't hurt it either.
What's coming to the station now? Why it's Wolfmother'sLove Train. This should be a crowd pleaser. I can see jam bands playing this. I could see garage bands play this. This song is that diverse. Let me talk about the singer here right now. He is a high-pitched singer, like a mix between early Ozzy and Jack White. He has a good voice. He probably could have a wicked wail like Chris Cornell when he was in Soundgarden. Oddly enough he sings and keeps his voice in check, not overpowering the band members.
Finally lets talk about the band and the instrumental The Earth's Rotation Around the Sun. On all four tracks the band is tight. I don't know how many members are in the band but they can play and are a tight unit. This final track showcases them as a whole. No one outshines another by playing louder or taking a long solo. And that's the truth with all the songs on this E.P. The Drums are constantly pounding, but not drowning out anyone's sound. The guitar player is talented and the riffs are monster, but this isn't the guitar player's spotlight. The same can be said for the bass player and the synth. This band isn't about showcasing one person/instrument. It is about the sum of all parts and Wolfmother benefits from this unselfishness.
The 411: Wolfmother really wears their influences on their sleeve. I think we are in for good things from this band. If you like bands like Mars Volta, early Black Sabbath or even some of that garage rock coming from Detroit right now, you will really dig Wolfmother. You can classify this as stoner rock or 70’s throw back, but it did leave me wanting more every time I listened to it. Don’t write them off as some Led Zeppelin rip off; I think they have done it better than a lot of other bands. The vocals and the band are tight and it’s refreshing that there is not real “star”. If you are left wanting more, like I was, they are going to be at Coachella, Sasquatch and Lollapalooza. They should be on your top “must sees”.
