Over the past six months the stage has been set for this band to rise as rock n' roll heroes across the indie/alternative landscape, become immensely popular, and make a shit-load of money. Good, I hope this happens. This record is earth-shattering and we desperately need someone like Wolfmother to replace the crappy, headache-worthy ACDC in jukeboxes everywhere. Even though it's obvious that some of their songs come across as borrowed ammunition from the catalogs of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath, I could give a shit. Wolfmother's brand of heavy, buzz-soaked guitar riffs and song structures are so tight, vibrant, and enthusiastic that it's nearly impossible to dislike. And of course the star of the show is Andrew Stockdale with his awesome display of guitar work and amazing vocal delivery.
While spinning their self-titled debut Wolfmother don't be embarrassed if you find yourself playing air-guitar for hours or pounding your fists in the air during the chorus on big epics like 'Colossal'. This album is catchy and very easy to get lost in. It starts off with faster numbers like the heavy-metal fodder of 'Dimension', the glammy-rock vocals of 'Woman', and 'Apple Tree' with it's punk rhythm and danceable momentum. I also found myself being pulled towards the heavy bar-chord riffs of 'Colossal' and the crazy-ass flute solo that Jethro Tull would be proud of on Witchcraft, flute is the new cowbell. And to cap it all off, the gorgeous production and heaviness that Dave Sardy brings to the mix is outstanding, they sound like they played it live.
Some bands rock you like a hurricane, this is more like an earthquake only you're sitting on the epicenter for 51 minutes and 28 seconds. And don't bother skipping tracks, just relax and take in the majestic, nostalgic rock that is Wolfmother.
Rating: Strong