| B-X - White Trash Devil (USA) 07/11/2003 |
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Lazerwolfs
Get Mad
Independent Release
2003
Chris LaTray - Vocals, Bass
Jimmy Rolle - Guitars
Bubba Warne - Drums
Review by B-X
Ah, the Lazerwolfs. The grammatically challenged band from Missoula, Montana is back with Get Mad, their first full-length album. The Lazerwolfs seemingly came out of nowhere in 2000, when they released a promo CD called Gothic, which garnered mixed reviews from the stoner rock crowd. Bassist/Vocalist Chris LaTray, and skin-beater Bubba Warne are back, along with the extraordinary Jimmy Rolle on guitar.
Before I go any further, I have to mention that Lazerwolfs bassist/vocalist Chris LaTray is a contributing writer here at White Trash Devil. Usually, I'd go out of my way to avoid fellow writers projects, but I made an exception for Get Mad because I'd heard some good stuff about them from StonerRock.com.
First, I am happy to report that the Wolfs have honed their sound since recording Gothic. The production is top-notch, and when you consider that the band produced, released, and promoted the album THEMSELVES, Get Mad is a fucking testament to the possibilities of the DIY ethic. In an era where a band like Metallica can take upwards to six months to record a multi-million dollar "garage album", it's really fucking stimulating to see the Lazerwolfs go into a studio, and record an ass kicking record like Get Mad. It's a shame that the Wolfs are still relatively unknown.
Anyway, the Lazerwolfs have perfected the 70's era metal/hard rock sound that characterizes the better stoner rock bands of the world. I also detect a hint of early eighties metal (Judas Priest). If you like Foghat, Led Zeppelin, Kyuss, or Fu Manchu, then you will find this album to be a considerable addition to your record collection.
The songs on Get Mad cover a diverse rang of topics. Everything is covered here, from politics ("Dissent") to your typical girls/weed/cars deal ("Big Rig"), all performed quite well by LaTray. I do have one minor point about LaTray's vocals, in that sometimes I can't help but laugh during some of his more-restrained vocals, which are most evident on the first track, "Bonfire". Come on Chris, loosen up a bit! However, in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't matter.
Get Mad really picks up steam on the second track, "FOTC". This one had me jumping around, as it is a great rocker, with some riffs that I am kicking myself over because I didn't think of it first. Rolle really shines on this track. "Dissent" is notable for its take on current events, as LaTray espouses on our loss of rights, as well as "follow-the-leader" mentality so prevalent today. If anything, listen to "Dissent" for the tasty cowbell licks.
The final three tracks on this album are definitely the finest tracks the 'wolfs have cut so far. All three tracks bring to light the bands exceptional jamming capacities. "Elemental" is a groove-laden piece, with a tremendous extended guitar solo from Rolle, whose tone is unbelievable. Bubba Warne makes himself heard in a BIG way on "Ride" lying down a road of thunder for Rolle to wail his powerful riffs over. The band ends Get Mad with the fantastic "ORT", a lengthy instrumental that is the true highlight of the album. Bubba and Chris provide a heavy back-rhythm that enables Rolle to let his Hendrix-esque blues-psychedelic playing. I could listen to this shit over and over for days.
So there you have it. Seven tracks of hard-hitting stoner rock, and a surefire must-have album for any of you classic rock fans out there. I know that Get Mad has earned a permanent place in my car CD-Changer, and that's definitely the best approval I can give any album.
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