WILDPHYR
"Movement" (Self-produced;
2007)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
Wildphyr is a band that seems to be running for a political
ad. Part lobbyist and part conservative, they pen lyrics that rally for you to
hold your government accountable. The difference with Wildphyr is that they don’t scream their distain through the mic but rather inspire you to trace your roots and find the foundation
you hold to and then solidify it with allegiance. We The People…
The message of the album is based on the lead singer, Griffin Stewart, who took a trip home to his roots in
Ireland. He became motivated to write an album of material that reflected where he came from and where he has seen our government take
us. He doesn’t focus on any certain administration but the copyright date would probably mean our current
one in 2008.
I usually request that a band that wants to make a political statement runs for office
themselves, creating a voting record instead of recording a music record. Nobody has taken me up on the challenge yet, so I’ll just enjoy the music that Wildphyr puts out. They have a grunge side to them and an indie slope as well. One style that’s most evident is a Celtic
sound. Each song has a small Celtic taste and songs like “Naked Free” are steeped in that traditional
sound (although It’s updated to appeal to the masses).
The guitar is the best part of this CD; it’s full of solos and catchy rhythms. Griffin has the talent to lead his style of music and his message to ears that might shy away from the more liberal approach via RATM and SOAD. The music is done very well,
perhaps so much so that the message might get lost but the band's delivery is the best one I’ve heard yet. It’s got style and substance; other tree stumpers should take notice.
The best cuts are “E-Machine,” “Chance,” “One Being Free,” “If Believe,” and “Freedom.”
For more information, check out http://wildphyr.org
or http://www.myspace.com/wildphyr1.
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 © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 04 Dec 2023 22:19:33 -0500.
