Derivative (and fun) as hell

Play it: Wolfmother Wolfmother

This aussie rock trio where their 70's rock influences on their sleeve, and if it weren't for the fact that they've got the licks down this would be an annoyingly derivative listen. First time through Wolfmother, I spent a lot of time playing spot-the-influence and (thankfully) ignoring the lyrics. I hear Led Zep, then Black Sabbath, then with "Apple Tree" I have to double-check to make sure that The White Stripes haven't been swapped in. Then "Joker and the Thief" sounds like Rush meets Queens of the Stone Age with Jack White (again) on vocals. It can be a litte distracting (which in a way that's good, because you don't want to get caught up in the sword and sorcery lyrics.) And what's with that cheesy flute solo in the middle of "Witchcraft?"

Not a lot for a critic to love except lots of meaty riffs and fists raised high to the sky... it's only rock and roll (but I like it.)

Previously:
Heft for the new millenium (Piece on new heavy metal bands)

tags: playlist, music, rhapsody, heavy metal, indie rock, wolfmother, rhapsody, white stripes