To release a debut single and announce a debut album not long after, you must have a set of bollocks and confidence in your work which The Wood have.
Consisting of scousers Alex Evans and Steve Powell, who met whilst Powell was recording Evans in his ARK recording studio and was blown away with his voice. As a producer, Powell has worked with many scouse legends such as Michael Head and John Power.
‘Let it Loose’ is the debut single from the band with Evans stating,” To Me, ‘Let it Loose’ is about the rise and fall of life. The pressures we feel to take the leap of faith and overcome our insecurities and fears.” Powell adds “Letting your mind go, waiting for the fear to fall.”
The Wood blend a list of genres from soul to blues and hints of jazz whilst a list of influences is evident like Marvin Gaye, The Beatles and the Talking Heads. Is this a classic in the making?
The trumpets give us a grand introduction on ‘Let it Loose’. The jazz inspired drums sit in the background whilst Evans’ raw and powerful vocals are at the forefront. The harmonization of Evans’ vocals and the backing vocals creates a gospel inspired sound before his vocals becomes harsher showing exactly what he’s capable of. Powell’s guitar slides through with a swagger you only get with age before the trumpet bows us out.
‘River’ starts like a swampy, delta-blues inspired guitar riff with a call and response between guitar and voice before the drums come and help push it into full speed, like ‘Try a little tenderness’ as Evans’ vocals emulate that of the great Otis Redding. Whilst the guitar takes you on a journey slowing down and speeding up the song at ease. The harmonization returns creating a choir which Evans conducts. A timeless piece of soul music.
The drums create a steady beat from the start of ‘Temptations’ whilst the low hum of the bass keeps it together. The pain in Evans’ vocals is evident but turns it into something beautiful and being able to hold a note is his forte. Talking of themes of the devil is common in blues music and the fuzziness of the guitar creates a level of confusion like the person is lost. The backing vocals create a level of mystery like a guiding voice.
‘Autumn Dreams’ starts with a warm toned whirling riff showing Powell’s expertise which Evans takes in his stride matching the vibe with his vocals. The drums come in later sounding The Cranberries infused. Evans’ vocals howl providing exactly what the song needs with backing vocals coming in and out and allowing him to do his thing. The trumpets at the end bring it to a blissful resolution.
The birds chirp away at the start of ‘Back to the Start’ before the rhythm section bring a deadly beat then Evans’ spits his venom with his raw vocals. The guitar brings an attitude and gives the listener a confidence. The trumpets parade through before the woman’s backing vocals howl like Merry Clayton on ‘Gimme Shelter’. A sense of assertiveness seeps through the song. It’s a true rock tune.
‘Stay With Me’ is an acoustic ballad with Evans’ vocals on full display showing a delicate side to his otherwise powerful vocals. The guitar riff is simple yet effective painting a picture with the words that are sung. The electric guitar comes in at the end with backing vocals which don’t add much but act like a dusting on top. This shows a completely different side to the band which is beautiful.
‘Thornside Walk’ starts like an early Tom Waits number but Evans’ vocals smash through with sheer power and ability. The vocals are reminiscent of Jeff Buckley showing volume as well as vulnerability when he hits the falsetto. The backing vocals are used as reinforcement even if Evans’ doesn’t need it. The rhythm section is tight whilst Powell’s guitar playing weaves it way through. The main instrument in this song is Evans’ vocals and the range he can get.
It’s uncommon in modern day music for an album to tackle such genres from blues to soul in a unique manor and still hint at the influences whilst not being a recycled mess. Evans is a powerhouse vocally and can be compared to the likes of Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye and Tom Jones but giving his uniqueness to whatever he tackles. Powell’s musicality is on full display being able to change his playing style to match whatever the song needs, blending genres with ease. The harmonies throughout the album are beautiful and reminiscent of Motown. It’s a bonus that there both scouse. An album full of soul that everyone must hear.
The Wood: Days – Out 15 November 2024 (Riverdream Records)
