WILLE AND THE BANDITS – ALBUM REVIEW

Wille and the Bandits are a Cornwall-based roots rock band who have recently released their fifth studio album entitled When The World Stood Still on Fat Road Records. The record is a genre bending powerhouse with stellar vocals, driving riffs and tenacious songwriting. All twelve songs are fiery gems that deliver sonic outbursts of pure rapture. The songs were written during the pandemic and Wille and the Bandits used this time to create powerful anthemic songs alongside melodies and lyrics that resonate with the unfolding cataclysmic events of covid.

Wille and the Bandits consists of Wille Edwards (Lead Vocals/Guitar/Steel Guitar), Harry Mackall (Vocals/Bass/Synth), Matthew Gallagher (Hammond Organ/Piano/Vocals) and Tom Gilkes (Drums/Percussion). When The World Stood Still was recorded at the renown Sawmills Studios. It was produced by WATB in association with the famed producer John Cornfield. To fund the enterprise, the band turned to their unbelievable fans who made the dream happen.

When The World Stood Still is a monstrous endeavor. Throughout the record, WATB boldly mash musical styles in order to manufacture an unparalleled sound. Blues, rock, psychedelia and r&b are all tossed into the mix. They have thrown open the boundaries and delivered compositions that defy definition. Their original take on standard rock and blues norms is incredible. Every song carries a unique signature and conveys an onslaught of aural nirvana.

The album opens with “Caught In The Middle” which combines hip-hop and rock to form an intrepid groove laden track that dispenses an audacious groove. Edwards’ vocals flow easily between both genres. The guitar lays down a ferocious riff while Mackall’s bass is merciless. Gilkes’ drums are slamming. The tune is a perfect introduction to the rest of the record. It also represents the band’s dedication to address critical global social issues.

“I’m Alive” is a killer tune. WATB immerse themselves in a myriad of exotic sounds. The tempo is vibrant. Edwards’ vocals are eerie and supersized. The keys promulgate explosive flourishes of profound accents. The guitars layer intricate soundscapes of psychedelic beauty with eastern influences. By far, one of the best songs on WTWSS..

“Without You” is a dark swilling ballad that ventures into the world of loss and despair. Reminiscent of the Doors and Jim Morrison, the tune takes mysterious turns into a deep darkness. One can feel the anguish in Edwards’ voice as the guitar bemoans with despondency. The melancholy keys and sorrowful bass heighten the whole ambiance.

“Good Stuff” brings back the bluesy rock that WATB are known for. The tune has a captivating tempo and Willie’s bottleneck slide is smooth. The huge chorus stands out. Good stuff. “In This Together” is an up-tempo romp. It rocks out with vitality and brazen tenacity. “Will We Ever” is the band’s lament if they will ever see their fans again. With a southern rock flair, WATB hits a masterful stride. The harmonies are superb and the forlornness of not being able to play live is splendidly engraved in the music.

“When The World Stood Still’ envelopes the band in a softer light. With its r&b inflections, the song has a silky melodic edge with a guitar solo full of emotion. Edwards’ vocals have an enchanting emotive sensitivity. The forlorn piano is tremendous. According to the band:

“Lyrically, the song talks about the beauty experienced by some, of those first few weeks of the lockdown when nature almost took the world back and the common noises of the hustle and bustle lifted to create  stillness and tranquility”.

“Move To Fast” is a funkified funfest. The beat is intoxicating. The band’s musicianship clearly shines through. The tune flows with a vigorous magnetic force. “Move To Fast” is a musical bonfire of gutsy textures. “Broken Words” continues the glorified funk with a memorable percussion break from Gilkes. Once again, the harmonies are exuberant. “Daylight” is a heartfelt song about Edwards’ second daughter. It’s hard hitting and full of impressive rock overtones.

WATB close out with two admirable compositions. “Refuge” has an otherworldly feel with a spacey intensity. The fuzzed guitar and ethereal vocals thoroughly work. Another exquisite track is “Solid Ground” with its lamentive aura and plaintive guitar. It’s an alluring song that seizes the rueful enclaves of the soul. WATB capture the perfect remorseful pulse. “Solid Ground” is the consummate finish to an album destined to go down in musical history as a masterpiece.

Wille and the Bandits will be embarking on an extensive UK tour in March and April. We can’t wait till they cross the pond.

 

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To learn more about Wille and the Bandits, check out their Website
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Stream music: Spotify / Apple Music
Purchase: Amazon 

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