Whoa… I actually had to wait (at least) for 30 minutes to write anything after ‘Whoa’ to let my goose-bumps subside! The first 12 bars of the first song (The Way You Do It) I played on my stereo system were enough to blow my mind.
The paper-weights on my desk are still dancing, riveting on the groovy rhythm. My mind still looks for some signs of conclusion. Still unable to admit, I try to find some info about the band ‘Whoa Mama’, but there isn’t much; except the three released songs. Finally, I contacted my editor and –to my pleasure- I was told that ‘Whoa Mama’ is actually a new band, not some uncut rough diamonds from the 1970’s.
Without getting a peak at their looks or attire, I would dare to guess (and comment) that the band must be living in the 70’s: every single note they play or sing, every rhyme they make, even the tones of their instruments (tuning of the snare on the drums for example) screams loud about the classic blues rock era!
And the three gems of polished songs (available on the YouTube) are enough to tell that the members of ‘Whoa Mama’ know every hit classic rock song by heart. You would find colors of every 70’s hit act in their songs, from Ted Nugent to Tommy Bolin for guitar sounds to Jim Morrison-Janis Joplin-David Coverdale vocal frolics.
The first song I heard ‘The Way You Do It’ is a gut wrenching ballad, with intoxicating and dreamy vocals. It is more like messy love making and frantic day dreaming, packaged in a crazy but lucid flowing vibe. Apart from vocals, I absolutely adore the guitar chops… riffs, sweet phrasing with articulate runs, and an enchanting tone on the top of it.
Song ‘All for Nothing’ is more like an orgy between Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) and David Coverdale (White Snake) signature styles and sound. It is a rejuvenating representation of classic blues rock.
The song ‘Bloody Mary’ is drifting somewhere between the giant rockers Black Sabbath and Free. Immense feedback drenched guitar tone, swift and subtle changes in the groove and timing; it is enough to get you drunk without the need to indulge in any other substance.
‘Whoa Mama’ is absolute Rock, absolutely psychedelic…
I am eagerly waiting for more material from this great band.
Sentinel tick the boxes for me when it comes to giving an opinion on a metal band. I love brutal music and harsh, shouted lyrics, but I always have a soft spot for a catchy and sweetly sung chorus. I guess I like the storm followed by the calm, before the next storm. Music without this dynamic grows a little boring and tedious for me. Sentinel avoid this pitfall and give the listener a saliva-filled gust of feeling, carried in the space that the more relaxed chorus gives.