ALBUM REVIEW: Rewind, Replay, Rebound – Volbeat

For many years everyone’s favourite Danish rockers VOLBEAT have been dominating the top tier of festival lineups, scooping up awards and launching themselves into the charts gathering an adoring following in the process. It’s been three years since their acclaimed sixth album Seal The Deal And Lets Boogie and the quartet are poised to release the highly awaited follow up Rewind, Replay, Rebound which is due for release on August 2nd via Vertigo Records. Can they continue to sit aloft the pack?

Last Day Under The Sun kick starts the album with an uplifting 80’s mood providing summer vibes. Prominent bass lines, a slick solo and alluring chorus vocals towards the latter stages offer up an ideal opening track. The intriguingly titled Pelvis On Fire follows adding a crunchy guitar tone and the signature punchy VOLBEAT pacing reminiscent of the nostalgic Sad Mans Tongue. Quirky vocal projection enhances the energy. Rewind The Exit presents a steadier, soothing nature which neatly sets up an anthemic chorus that will go down a storm on the live stage. Galloping drums come to the forefront adding a western touch to proceedings.

Die To Live urges you to get your dancing shoes on with an energetic burst of riffing. The unmistakable tones of CLUTCH‘s Neil Fallon provide a grittier edge. As the track progresses piano tinkering is introduced alongside brass instrumentation to get the mood swinging. When We Were Kids takes a more emotive route as acoustic guitar combines with flawlessly executed highs. Addictive riff work makes its presence felt seamlessly integrating with further solo flair.  Sorry Sack Of Bones offers up some darker tones and a theatrical nature as the melodies cut through the tense atmosphere and snarling vocals. Thrashier elements make a surprise appearance giving a glancing nod to the heavier side of VOLBEAT‘s catalogue.

Cloud 9 harnesses all of the Danish outfits radio friendly qualities to construct perky, vibrant melodies. The enticing layered vocals allow for the perfect sing along opportunity. Cheapside Sloggers ups the energy with an invigorating tempo, this track is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The ominous presence of the infamous Gary Holt is instantly felt as a doomy vibe descends and proficient shredding grabs the track by the throat offering some of the most intriguing moments this release has on show. Maybe I Believe continues dishing out addictive vocal rhythms bolstered by a powerful chorus. The instrumentation ebbs and flows throughout knowing when to take a back seat and when to burst into life to enhance the flow of the track. Parasite is little more than a placeholder as a condensed burst of punk fuelled energy is crammed into 37 seconds which leads into following track Leviathan. This track possesses all the hallmarks of guaranteed set-list mainstay for years to come. The inviting tempo, intoxicating chorus and upbeat nature is destined to become ingrained in your minds hours prior to listening.

The Awakening Of Bonnie Parker keeps the energy at optimum levels as we approach the closing stages. The combined vocal lines send shivers down your spine as the blues soaked riffs and scintillating solo work join forces to lift your spirits. The Everlasting knocks it up a gear with a pulsing tempo and some swift shredding to get your head banging. The sharp edged riffing and pounding drum beats combine effortlessly with the silky smooth vocals. Witnessing VOLBEAT unleash their inner beast, if only for a short time is always a welcome experience. 7-24 rounds off proceedings with heart warming tones that hit that sweet spot giving Rewind, Replay, Rebound it’s happily ever after.

Consistency is key as a musical career continues to develop and VOLBEAT have once again provided a set of polished, feel good anthems which will be the perfect soundtrack to your summer gatherings as the smell of BBQ food fills the air. Despite having a somewhat formulaic song structure they continue to throw a lot of variation into the mix to make sure the songs stand apart from each other as their own separate entities. They may not have trodden on fresh ground but when they are undoubtedly adored for their craft there really isn’t such a requirement.

Rating: 9/10

Rewind, Replay, Rebound is set for release on August 2nd via Vertigo Records.

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