ALBUM REVIEW: Rock Spirit Absolute Joy – WACO

London-based rock band WACO are about to release their third album Rock Spirit Absolute Joy. It’s a very appropriately titled album given the band’s chaotic nature of refusing to be put into a box. What you see is what you get with them, and in their case it’s a beloved mash-up of different genres ranging from punk, classic-rock and psych all the way to funk, disco and pop. In a summary, you never know what you’re going to get but regardless of that you will find yourself smiling and dancing, bopping, and/or headbanging along.

It’s not always fun times for WACO though. Sadly, before they could put out their second record Hope Rituals, their bassist Chris Cowley passed away, so their mission remains to honour his memory. And you know what? He would love this record. From the get-go you can sum up this album in one simple word: fun. From beginning to end you find yourself smiling and dancing along, even during the slower segments of the album that mindset remains as the lyrics fill you with so much happiness and positivity.

This record is upbeat and, in all honesty, it just sounds so cool. Like you know that WACO had so much fun writing and recording it, and that translates over to us as listeners. We feel how they feel and it’s wonderful. Another thing that can be said is that this record is very reminiscent of TENACIOUS D and School Of Rock – basically it makes you think of Jack Black.

There are a few select tracks that make you think of the soundtrack of the film, as well as one song, Seventeen, which automatically reminds you of Heal Me, I’m Heartsick by NO VACANCY. Once that connection is made there’s no going back. Another stand-out moment from the record is The New Wave Of British Denim which is just a fantastic punk track, a minute and thirty seconds of pure brilliance. The guys can really do it all.

An upbeat rock album that will make you smile and have a good time, WACO hits the nail on the head with what we all need. Rock Spirit Absolute Joy is a record that feels like a comfort blanket to hide you from the horrible parts of real life. Nostalgic with what you may have heard growing up, but also frankly a mini-Jack Black tribute with nods to TENACIOUS D and School Of Rock, this album is just pure bliss and fun.

Rating: 8/10

Rock Spirit Absolute Joy is set for release on September 2nd via Venn Records.

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