Wicked Warrior – Inner Self
I really liked the sound of the staccato guitar sound of this single, as well as the strong vocal delivery. I admit that once sold on that, uncharacteristically, I forgot to inquire too much about the lyrics.
As our old pal, the late, great, prancer known as Marc Bolan, the actual words here are less important than the actual atmosphere they point towards. I gather that the Portuguese singer in question is guiding us towards our “Inner Self“. Since we’re all making our own trips there, we’ll just need to interpret his message as we see fit.
Back to the sounds here, which, frankly, are the most charming aspect, we find Wicked Warrior offering a vocal delivery, not unlike one of a lounge singer, guitar playing that is both masterful and comedic, and enough sound ornamentation to keep spirits up for the four-minute run-time.
If this is a mysterious, new age, devotional, it’s a strange, funny, interesting one.
Whalers – Hey Hammurabi
Whalers seem to know that rock music is both disposable and transcendently beautiful. This is what I gather from the opening surf-rock riff of “Hey Hammurabi“. It’s a joyous, somewhat funny happening.
Gus Smalley’s vocals, however, stand in contrast. Why I thought I was going to be greeted by stoned-out teenagers playing surf riffs for the girls! Instead, Smalley sounds like a delinquent knocking back pints at the local watering hole. I’ve always loved that sound!
As for the singer’s dialogue to Babylonian king Hammurabi, I haven’t quite gone around explaining whether that’s some kind of call for cultural exchange, or an effect of the scorching sun and too many cold ones.
Either way, Whalers produce a nice rocking sound, that’s a testament to their experience and love of noise and craft.