WIG WAM
"Never Say Die" (Frontiers SRL; 2021)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
"Never Say Die" is Wig Wam's first album since 2012, but you'd never know it by just listening to this album.
"Never Say Die" is packed solid with hard rocking tunes boosted by loud guitars and irresistible melodic choruses. It's been too long since I've listened to one of the band's previous albums, but I can tell you that "Never Day Die" sounds bigger and fuller than what I remember. The songs here are all well-crafted rockers and it's apparent that the last nine years have given the band a chance to improve their musicianship as well as their songwriting ability. There's a confidence here that some bands may not have had after a nearly decade break. With "Never Say Die," Wig Wam has come to rock, and they do just that throughout the CD.
There's the token ballad, of course, because ... well, there has to be. I think that's the law as far as these classic hard rock albums are concerned. "Kaleidoscope Ark" isn't as squeaky clean as "Beth," however. It has the same genuine emotion as that particular Kiss classic has, but it's boosted with soaring guitars that lift it into rock'n'roll territory. In other words, It's closer to Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home." The album closes with a similar number, the smoldering "Silver Lining," which crescendos at the end, closing the album perfectly.
My favorite tracks here are "Kilimanjaro" with its infectious chorus, the groovy "Hypnotized" and the bulldozer-like "Dirty Little Secrets." "Shadows of Eternity" is another track worth mentioning for its fast-pace and sing-along choruses.
As I said, it's been nine years since Wig Wam released a studio album. Here's to hoping they don't wait another nine years before doing it again.
Wig Wam: Glam (Åge Sten Nilsen) – vocals; Teeny (Trond Holter) – guitars; Flash (Bernt Jansen) – bass; Sporty (Øystein Andersen) – drums.
For more information, check out https://www.wigwamofficial.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2021 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
