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Science & Sorcery

Article published 6th May 09
Science & Sorcery Hear

What:
Science & Sorcery

Who:
Wolf & Cub

Where:
Record stores, online here, and The Zoo on Fri Jul 3

On:
Dot Dash

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Adelaide's Wolf & Cub have remained one of the most interesting prospects on the Australian rock scene since their twin-drum attack rumbled into our ears some five years ago. Their 2006 debut Vessels was a brilliant stoner rock expedition propelled by several brilliant single and a fearsome live reputation. Some line-up shuffling last year found the band with a talented new drummer and saxophonist in Marvin Hammond.

Don't approach their second album with Vessels in mind. I made that mistake, and it took me weeks to overcome my disappointment. I should have realised that their decision to record with Bumblebeez main man Chris Colonna wouldn't allow Vessels mk II. Instead, Science & Sorcery offers ten tracks that herald a major departure from the previous record, which successfully contrasted droning soundscapes against lean, hypnotic rhythms. I've always felt that Joel Byrne's vocals were added as an afterthought, to save the band from being slapped with the oft-maligned 'instrumental rock' tag. His words and vocals are as meaningless and shallow as ever, here, but this has never been the point of Wolf & Cub.

Hammond's jazz influence shines through on lead single 'One To The Other', while album opener 'Seven Sevens' is driven by one of the band's most memorable melodies. The electronic sample throughout 'Restless Sons' even hints at a newfound appreciation for dub. Whoa. Hidden near the end of the album is 'Blood', the closest thing to a pop song that the band has ever written. It's damn catchy and unlike anything they've done before.

By Andrew McMillen

Genre: Rock

Release: Album

Keywords: wolf & cub, New, Album

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