When Zoheb of Qabar PR offered Revival for review purposes, I noted it was being released by Electric Valley Records, a Sardinia, Italy based label. While maybe not as well-known as countrymen Heavy Psych Sounds, they have nonetheless put out some exceptional records by the likes of Loose Sutres, Wizard Master and LaGoon (to name three).
Formed in 2022, WyndRider is an East Tennessee quartet comprised of Robbie Willis – Guitar, Chloe Gould – Vocals, Joshuwah Herald – Bass and Josh Brock on Drums who have some pretty cool festival appearances lined up this year at Maryland Doom Fest, Gravitoyd Doom Fest and Holler of Doom IV. Revival comes off the back of last year's critically acclaimed S/T debut so expectations are therefore exceptionally high.
'Forked Tongue Revival' features a Fuzz laden approach which also happens to incorporate heavy doses of melody, lending the whole affair a cool quiet/loud dynamic. The Grungy vibes recall vintage Windhand and as someone with a fondness for female fronted Vocals within the Stoner/Doom genre, I find Chloe Gould to be a natural heir to Dorthia Cottrell and Lori S, an exceptional opener. 'Motorcycle Witches' continues the Fuzz with many of the awesome grooves bringing the likes of Fu Manchu immediately to mind (coincidentally both seem to have an interest in vehicular transport – Fu Manchu with monster trucks and WyndRider with Motorbikes). Holy hell, if this doesn't have you shaking your ass then you must be truly dead inside. 'Judas' could easily have been written by Wino what with the cool Spirit Caravan vibes on display (and which would prove an ideal fit on Jug Fulla Sun) as well as a Psychedelic trippiness. As a massive fan of that band I was therefore beyond delighted by what was heard here.
'Devil's Den' as with 'Motorcycle Witches' features yet more monumentally memorable grooves and I for my part remember the joy I had when I first heard Nebula. Its dusty, sleazy, with some cool Garage Rock sensibilities ala Mudhoney. Nevermind Queens of the Stone Age who have long since disappointed with their newer output and Josh Homme's frankly silly detours with Eagles of Death Metal and the underwhelming Them Crooked Vultures, THIS is what I want to hear when listening to a band from this genre. 'Remember the Sabbath' is appropriately named seeing as its definitely an unabashed homage to Black Sabbath's 'Black Sabbath' from the classic S/T debut. There are also nods to other pioneers such as Saint Vitus, Soundgarden and even contemporaries such as Lightmaker from New York. The tightness of the rhythm section needs to also be highlighted, its up there with messers Ward and Butler's effortless Jazzy interplay. Overall the track offers both a welcome change in tempo and a certain novelty charm. Yet more Sabbathy references abound with a Bass drum led intro similar to that in 'Iron Man' and with a touch of Mountain's 'Mississippi Queen' too. The band's Southern roots are also apparent with the jam band Allman Brothers feel and even later period Rollins Band's later Bluesy Hard Rock (with the Mother Superior line-up) is featured. You can't go wrong with influences such as these. 'The Wheel' is a slow burner, a huge lumbering beast of a track that helps draw the album to a natural melancholic conclusion. Undoubtedly the darkest piece on Revival, it summons the spirit of the genius that is Tom G Warrior and the much missed Celtic Frost.
Though I'm somewhat selective when it comes to covering Stoner/Doom, WyndRider prove a standout in a heavily saturated genre. Highly recommended listening.
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