A lot has happened in the short time since I reviewed WIM's EP (which was released in 2009). The boys have been exceedingly busy over the past few months, touring continuously while putting the finishing touches on their freshly released self-titled album.
WIM's upward trajectory looks mighty sturdy, given their aforementioned effort. After completing a join-the-dots national tour of Australia alongside the powerfully elegant Grace Woodroofe (a Ben Harper apprentice) and London-born storyteller Emma Davis, they supported the indomitable Gypsy and the Cat on their own tour. Sharing the spotlight with so much talent, it is indubitably WIM's time to take center stage.
A combination of new material and re-recorded tracks from the EP, I think this album is a thing of magnificence. It was lovingly crafted in Los Angeles at the Berkely Street Studio, the private laboratory of legendary musical mixologist Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springstein, the Rolling Stones among others). It was then mastered by Bob Ludwig who has collaborated with an amazing assortment of musical superheroes including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, and Nirvana. They also worked with local producer Tony Buchen, who has collaborated with many prominent Australian acts. Based on their list of friends, you'd hope they'd know what they were doing. (They do).
The album can be split into two styles, swinging swiftly from grand and reflective, to upbeat and animated "“- then back again just as swiftly. Think Grizzly Bear mingled with gypsy-pirates. We begin with two of the former tracks, "Colossus" and "See You Hurry" (see their amazing film clip below), which evocatively float into each other. The wind then changes with the second single, "Something for You," which is more of a vaudevillian jaunt. This pattern continues effortlessly over the course of the 9-tracks. "Moth" is my favorite track today, yesterday it was "Over the Mountains," tomorrow"¦ who knows?
The production on the album is fantastic, with no effort spared to ensure this is to be a standout full-length debut. These five gentlemen are masters of their craft, and clearly enjoy performing their creations. Don't take my word for it though -- give WIM a listen for yourself.
By
Hugh McClure
on
Feb 21, 2011
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