Fourth record release for the Dutch band The Wild Century, whose previous work “5” we reviewed and enjoyed. Titled “Organic,” the new album was released on October 28, 2022 via Tonzonen Records and contains six medium-length tracks. The band continues their exploration of Psychedelic Rock sounds with Blues and Alternative traits with a retro imprint. The album opens with “Lowdown Dog,” an energetic track with solid drumming, keyboard and guitar interlacing, and a distinctly psychedelic vocal. The retro vocal traits are mixed with the band’s more modern and personal ones, with very interesting guitar-keyboard textures, a rhythmic and addictive track that takes us on a journey through time. The guitar opens “Oh Yeah” a track that is heavier than the previous one and with more Psychedelic traits. More space is given to instrumental sections with fine guitar and organ duets that take us back to the sounds of the late 60s. Sophisticated solos and a solid and engaging rhythm section, with all the instruments coming to the fore, highlighting the band’s excellent technique. “Carry On” is a gentler track that combines Classic Rock and a distinctly retro imprint with warm, expressive vocals. refined organ melodies that also offer solo cues and a more linear, soft structure, with the intensity increasing in the second half. An interesting guitar solo intertwining with the organ characterises the final instrumental section, concluding the track in a musical crescendo. The longest track on the album “Beautiful Queen” is over 9 minutes long and is dominated by psychedelic sounds. A lysergic journey that moves slowly and envelops the listener with intertwining guitar and keyboard textures and a distinctly retro effected vocal. If we close our eyes, we seem to be projected into the magical 1960s. The intensity of the song increases as the minutes go by, as the guitar evolves and modulates the melodies, just as the vocal guides us on this pleasant trip. “Grey Blue Eyes“‘” opens with a fine organ and guitar duet, a delicate rhythm section and a deep, enveloping vocal. A track more in the form of a ‘song’ that evolves in the second half with an instrumental section that increases the song’s intensity. The album ends with “Mother’s Grace,” a warm, enveloping track with a soft, deep vocal. The organ creates a fine background while the guitar arpeggios intertwine and the rhythm section marks time with a percussive touch. the track ends in a musical crescendo characterised by a scratchy guitar solo. A band that makes us travel back in time through retro sounds, bringing the atmospheres of 1960s Psychedelia to the present day. Interweaving organ and keyboards, intense vocals and a solid, well-constructed rhythm section characterise the tracks. A recommended listen for all lovers of late 60s sounds, re-proposed with a modern and personal touch.
Tracklist
01. Lowdown Dog (06:16)
02. Oh Yeah (06:05)
03. Carry On (07:39)
04. Beautiful Queen (09:11)
05. Grey Blue Eyes (04:01)
06. Mother’s Grace (04:42)
Lineup
Stan Aarts / Electric Guitar & Vocals
Gerton Govers / Acoustic Guitar, Sitar Guitar & Vocals
Joris Verbogt / Electric Bass
Butsenzeller / Drums
Paola Pica / Hammond Organ
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