Rough Edge: Wino CD Reviews

WINO

"Adrift" (Exile on Mainstream; 2011)

Reviewed by Metal Mark

Prolific metal warrior Wino takes a radical departure from the normal sonically crushing experience the St. Vitus frontman is associated with on his sophomore solo effort, stripping down his legendary doom metal density for an exercise of primarily acoustic guitar led music on "Adrift."

This intimate 12-track offering displays yet another side of this revered artist, resonating stark singer-songwriter vibes using little else besides barren guitars with brief yet effective electric accompaniment and Wino's whiskey-soaked vocals, maintaining the level of intensity from his heavier offerings while digging down deep to explore the origins of American-styled country, blues and folk music.

At times sounding like protest music ripped from a Vietnam rally ("Green Speed," "I Don't Care") while at others wistfully welcoming a whole new spectrum of sounds at his disposure ("O.B.E."), Wino retains his patented rousing spirit while presenting his music through a whole new light.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/winoschopper.

"Punctuated Equilibrium" (Southern Lord; 2009)

Reviewed by Metal Mark

Guitarist/vocalist Scott "Wino" Weinrich has spent nearly thirty years almost establishing himself as one of the leaders in doom/psychedelic/stoner type music. His work with Saint Vitus, the Obsessed, Spirit Caravan and Hidden Hand has helped to him to build quite an impressive résumé. He always seemed to be a very busy person as he continually has at least one project going on at any given time.

This time around Wino recruited Clutch drummer Jean Paul Gaster and Rezin’s Jon Blank on bass to round out the line-up. The music here goes back in time a bit, more so than some of Wino's more recent projects. This is blues-based metal with strong grooves and heavy doses of doom tossed in. If you think Saint Vitus, Pentagram and Deep Purple then you have a pretty good idea of where he is coming from.

The riffs are often thick and deep although the pace ranges from drizzles of sludge to brisk yet heavy bursts. The rhythm section is tight as they provide a fine backbone for the music. The riffs are huge on numerous occasions and swift and to the point when needed as well. There are some instrumentals on here that really allow the band to spread their wings and really stick some meaty chunks of music into the mix.

For those who are familiar with Wino's other bands then this album isn't going to be all that surprising, but it should satisfy his fans with all that it delivers.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/winoschopper.

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.

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