Album Review: Dewolff - Dewolff IV

Right off the bat, there are two crucial things to know about this band. Firstly, unlike a lot of modern day regurgitation of days-gone-by 'psychedelia' and neo-'60s product, this Dutch trio would not be out of place in the days when bands like Emmerson Lake & Palmer reigned supreme. In a time where rock music was becoming increasingly intellectual, and further and further away from the layman's music it might have once been seen to be, DeWolff would have stood as tall as any. Secondly, these guys can play their freakin' instruments!

People rave all the time about young artists who produce music, and when it's good it's totally justified. Sometimes young talent can be amazing and insightful, but many instances just see naivety and arrogance trying to pass itself off for something that a more experienced musician has already produced. DeWolff, who are all under 23 years of age, smash these preconceptions to smoking pieces with their incredibly intellectual, operatic and classically inspired rock music in their latest album. DeWolff IV, contrary to what the title suggests, is the trio's third studio record, and from the apocalyptic slow-groove of Voodoo Mademoiselle right through, it tears up dynamic and mood changes. Based around guitars, drums, bass and a really tasty Hammond B3, this music is ominous, elating, and often sonically discombobulating.

Highlights on this album include the opening track Voodoo Mademoiselle, which just rocks super hard, Devil's Due, and if you don't mind the odd full-length rock opera, tracks seven through 11 collectively make up the seven-part epic, A Mind Slip. Damn cool.