ALBUM REVIEW: Texas Medicine – The Howling Lords
Those who have been supporting the recent arguments that rock is dead clearly haven’t come across Scottish Newcomers THE HOWLING LORDS. They are one of the best new bands to arise to the platform. The Scottish trio evoke the iconic sounds of THE WHO, CREEDANCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL and QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. They have released their latest album Texas Medicine onto the airwaves and to say it is calling for audiences across the board would be a huge understatement.
The guttural, dirty sounds of THE HOWLING LORDS has expanded their horizons in more ways then you could ever imagine. From busking in the streets of Portugal to playing Scotland’s biggest festivals, they have become one of the bands to watch out for. With Texas Medicine, it’s clear they don’t plan on coming into the new year quietly.
Texas Medicine doesn’t’ beat around the bush, it gets straight the point with the opening track Looking At Me. The production of the album provides a nostalgic ambience. It gives a reminder of placing a vinyl into a record player in the middle of the summer and chilling out with that light breeze coming into that window. It could also bring back the old school music lovers’ memories of being at a music festival in the middle of the summer, amongst many others having a great time.
If you get those feelings within the first few moments of the album, imagine what the rest of the album offers. The dirty riffs, rough vocals and great beats are what the Scottish trio give to the listeners. Through their sound, they are able to bring forth different ambience across their excellent portfolio of tracks.
If CLUTCH and KORN had collaborated and wrote a track then Green Dress would be it. The opening of Green Dress has a similar melody to KORN’s Twisted Transistor. The track inarguably contains the band’s guttural rock and dirty sound yet the melody sounds very Southern.
The title She Devil is more than an appropriate name for what the track is about. Even through the rough and raw rock, THE HOWLING LORDS are able to provide sass and attitude. Hips will be swaying, hair will be swishing and that feeling of sexiness will take over. Yes, it’s that type of track and these go down very well with most audiences. Not just the rock fans, but everyone. The melody and lyrics match reinforces this message.
Soul To Sell provides a more doom vibe about it therefore fitting within the track’s message. It’s one of those songs that allow you to escape reality for those few minutes. It leaves you feeling so completely immersed that once you start listening, you don’t want to stop. You don’t want to let go of this feeling.
It concludes with the track God On The Stairs. This is a nostalgic treat for LED ZEPPELIN fans as it sounds similar to their classic ballad Stairway To Heaven. THE HOWLING LORDS put their own spin on this and make it their own.
Bringing classic and modern rock together effectively these days is no easy feat to pull off. THE HOWLING LORDS do just that, 2019 had better watch out. They mean business and they don’t plan on coming quietly.
Rating: 8/10
Texas Medicine is out now via self-release.
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