ALBUM REVIEW: TURBOWOLF - THE FREE LIFE
Bristolian Alt-Rockers return with their third album 'The Free Life'
It has been seven years since 'Turbowolf' released their phenomenal self-titled debut in 2011 and in that time there has yet to be another band that has successfully managed to replicate their sound. In a world full of cookie cutter alternative acts and cliches, Turbowolf have remained an unique oddity. Drawing from a wide range of influences from Rock, Metal & Psychedelia, their debut album has successfully managed to stand the tests of time in a landscape that has changed dramatically since its initial release. Their 2015 follow up 'Two Hands' took a slightly more poppy direction, but still retained the key ingredients of their sound. As the band approach almost a decade together they are faced with a dilemma; do they continue with a formula that has worked so far but risk being labelled as repetitive or do they experiment and take a new direction?
The answer appears to be a bit of both. Album number three, 'The Free Life' is by far the most diverse and ambitious record that Turbowolf have written so far. Tracks range from pure punk ferocity to psychedelic folk and feature a varied selection of guest artists. Unfortunately, not all of these experiments hit the mark, but this serves as an exciting development in Turbowolf's career and a welcome sign of things to come if they continue down this route in the future.
Opening track 'No No No' kicks off with the fuzzy guitar riffs and keyboard synthesisers that have helped Turbowolf to stand out within the crowd for so long. The song jumps between different tempos and dynamics and provides some great riffs and vocal hooks, yet the production feels flat and lacks the punch of their previous records. This isn't a concern that need last long though as track two 'Capital X' makes up for this in spades. There is more variety throughout the track and the bass and drums have much more of a kick to them. Turbowolf have always succeeded in being louder than their contemporaries and 'Capital X' proves that they still have plenty to bring to the table. The final breakdown (accompanied by 'Idles' front-man Joe Talbot) adds an extra dynamic that we have not experienced with Turbowolf before. This continues with the next two tracks that include guest vocals from Sebastien Grainger (from electro-punks 'Death From Above 1979') and Chantal Brown (from psychedelic 'Vodun'), the latter of the two 'Very Bad' can stand head to head with the bands best songs in their back catalogue.
Track six 'Halfsecret' is the bands biggest departure so far as they tread into more pop-rock territory. It is an interesting idea, but it doesn't quite have the impact that was intended. Fortunately, the next song 'Domino' hastily brings them back on track. Featuring guest vocals from Mike Kerr (of 'Royal Blood' fame) Domino is one of the catchiest songs on the record and will instantly divide the room as half the crowd will want to dance whilst the other half violently throw each other around in the mosh pit. 'Last Three Clues' and 'Up & Atom' are two of the most experimental tracks on the album with constantly shifting time signatures, a bizarre keyboard solo on 'Last Three Clues' and everything under the sun on 'Up & Atom', unlike earlier in the record, these experiments hit right on target. Jam-packed with fast paced riffs and a glorious bass tone, this is where the album truly takes off. 'Blackhole' is pure punk rock that recalls the early hits of 'Twelve Houses' and 'Solid Gold'. The title track begins with a deliciously sinister stomp and a 'Black Sabbath' style riff that quickly speeds up to an unbelievably fast tempo that then eases seamlessly into the closing track 'Concluder'; an almost folk like masterpiece with acoustic guitars and piercing guitar solos. Surreal strings guide us through the finale and it feels as though the band have come full circle. It is fitting then that the last three notes are a repetition of the opening track to their seven year old debut.
Patchy in places and very back loaded, some of the guest vocals seem a tad unnecessary. However, 'The Free Life' is a worthy addition to Turbowolfs collection and there is little doubt that they will all make great additions to the live set. It will be interesting to see where they go next.
7/10
Personal Highlight: Final track 'Concluder' is unlike anything that Turbowolf have ever written before. It is incredible to see how far this band have progressed whilst maintaining the essence of what made them so great in the first place.
