Wooden Hez – Spew
Official URL: https://www.woodenhez.com/
Alternative rock fans rejoice! Philadelphia has produced an amazing and powerful band that goes by the name of Wooden Hez. They’ve artistically created something that consists of many different elements in their music – which in turn creates an overwhelming amount of emotion. Some of the songs are melancholic while some are fun and upbeat. They’ve released a new record last year, which they titled “Spew” and while time certainly has passed since then, it continues to leaving a lasting memory. Self described as “your local, senseless, depraved Philly rock band”. Not worried about current trends, the guys of Wooden Hez write what their minds beckon them too. With a minimalist approach, they defined “Spew” by combining a very alive alternative rock sound with moody undertones that leave a big statement. In addition, the grunge-influenced vibes are unmistakable. It really gives this record a dirty guitar tone throughout all ten songs. It’s surely an album that you won’t listen to only once.
Some of the songs may be painfully slow to some people; however, I am a big fan of slow music so this was something that really caught my attention. I admire this quality a lot in music, as it shows artistic patience. Not everything needs to be rushed. One of the most memorable songs on the record is the third song, “Reckoning”. This has more of an aggressive rock and roll theme, something I also find favorable. The poignant riffing creates tension and matches the morose vocals. Underneath all of the chaos, you’ll find the drums and bass guitar working in harmony, in a very straightforward rock mentality. “Reckoning” is a song that will give you chills something that very well could get you fired up.
One last instant hit from this record is the fifth song, “Portrait”. The gentle use of acoustic guitar is so ethereal and matched with the distant and gloomy vocals create quite an ambient aura. There’s a beautiful touch of synth. Wooden Hez were rather successful in utilizing just the correct amount of effects to improve the song and not overwhelm it. This song just feels so familiar, like an old friend calling out to us. It’s sad, but hopeful – creating a bittersweet moment.
I find that “Spew” is a record that most people can enjoy and not necessarily just the alternative rock crowd. At the heart of it, this record is genuine music. It means something and the indirect lyric style – which has always appealed to me the most – allows the listener to think about their own personal life experiences and based from that, mold their own special meaning to the songs. A thousand different listeners could probably find a thousand different meanings. That’s the beautiful impact that music has and it’s something that Wooden Hez have made a point to heavily embrace. There’s truly no way of telling just how successful a band may be in two, ten or twenty years down the road, but I am sure Wooden Hez will have plenty of opportunities as long as they continue to write honest music.
8/10 Stars
– Robert Michael