Why do I think Shaking Godspeed is such a great rock band? Just listen to the albums they put out so far or go see them live. They won't make any concessions, won't restrict themselves to any genre and like to think outside the box. What you get is highly creative music, that is sometimes recalcitrant and a bit harder to get into, but always very rewarding. And now they have released their new album Welcome Back Wolf.
Shaking Godspeed - Welcome Back Wolf
After the last record, keyboard player and bassist Paul Diersen left the band, so the remaining two members had to look for a replacement. Instead they found two, guitarist Rocco Ostermann and bassist/keyboard player Alexander van Damme have joined the band. It means their sound has changed, although not drastically, but still it has an impact on the music. The keyboards have moved to the background a bit, so you won't hear many mad organ solos. Instead there's more guitar added to the mix, which opens new possibilities. Ostermann is also taking part in the song writing although his part on this album is still quite modest.
The result is a versatile record, filled with smart and unique rock songs. Shaking Godspeed have really outdone themselves here, with twelve rich tracks, that are all small adventures by themselves. As usual the band is asking you to dig in deep, instead of just sitting back. No, you really have to give it a careful listen and a few spins before the album will fully reveal itself. But when it does, you can truly appreciate the alternating grooves and swinging riffs of 'Tombstone Talk', the peculiar breaks in the title track that add lots of tension in the music. Or what about the razor sharp riffs in the twisted 'Goodbye Poupon'? Still not crazy enough for you? Listen to the piercing guitar in the deranged 'Future Boogie' and enjoy the roller-coaster ride of 'Paranoia Blues'.
Shaking Godspeed keeps raising the bar with every record they release. Welcome Back Wolf is a new highlight in their catalogue and nothing short of a masterpiece. It combines everything you expect from great music and more: plenty of adventure and excitement, new discoveries with every spin, skilled musicianship and intelligent compositions. Every time you listen to it, it will amaze you how good it is. Don't believe me? Go listen for yourself. It's impossible but at the same time exciting to try to imagine what they will come up with next.
Listen to 'Welcome Back Wolf' on Spotify.
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