The Big Wolf Band; Rebel’s Journey released April 19th
The second studio album in the Rebel trilogy, Journey is a thirteen track album full of fire and energy, but also touches of soulful, emotional music. Its part of the journey taken by Jonathan Earp through the travails of life, both personal and a more wordly scale that touches us all.
Its certainly a fully fuelled, supercharged start, a pedal to the floor road journey, ‘Empire And A Prayer’, the Empire is the starting point, the prayer is hanging on for the rock riven ride. A song co-written with Justin Johnson who plays rhythm guitar. Can’t overlook the, ‘Valley Of The Fallen Kings’, a different take on those infamous crossroads, where the tariff is 10 years of service ferrying souls back to the demon gatekeeper. Full of gut churning guitar riffs, lovely piano flurries, and a driving rhythm, what more could you want. Gorgeous guitar lead opens, ‘Lay It On The Line’, a lovely bluesy song, where backing vocalist Zoe Green makes a strong showing, along with funky organ solo, from keyboardist Robin Fox. Devil’s work comes back into play with, ‘Six Strings Loaded’, as Jon goes back down to hell with his six strings howling the blues in a riveting soulful, blues solo.
Darker, moodier, but impossible to resist is something that threatens us all at times, ‘Black Dog Blues’. Another fabulous opening solo over pulsating bass heavy rhythm, while Jonathan implores, “take it all, take it away, take these blues, take them away”. Jon and Robin trade riffs, before building to a climatic close out.
Now we’re on the darker side of life, I’ll pickup on a couple of superb slow burners. ‘Standing In The Rain’, full of emotional, crying guitar, and sad, remorseful lyrics, a beautiful song that talks of feeling lost, alone, though in a roomful of friends and family. It is simply superb and will pull you in closer than lovers arms. I hesitate to call this my pick of the album, there is so much else to savour, but its outstanding. The other burning, dark song, features strong, reflective backing from Zoe, and nice piano flourishes from Robin, is, ‘Darker Side Of You’. A love that’s drifted apart, bringing emotional guitar riffs, heartbreaking lyrics, and ‘hanging on in there’, though knowing it will end. Another undoubted pick, and there is much I’ve not even touched on.
This second collection of songs builds strongly on the excellent first Rebel album, I can’t wait for the final instalment. The Journey closes out on that age old, seemingly endless story of war, driven by greed and profit, questioning whether we will ever learn to live at peace together. ‘Too Many Times’ may a have bleak outlook, but the message is delivered in style, foot tapping, hip swinging rhythm, sing along anthemic lyrics, and the Big Wolf signature sound, disarm yourself and step into the groove.
Tracklist;
1. Empire and a Prayer (3:57)
2. Valley of the Fallen Kings (5:58)
3. Lay it on the Line (3:48)
4. Rise Together (4:06)
5. Six Strings Loaded (4:19)
6. Black Dog Blues (6:07)
7. Standing in the Rain (7:24)
8. Living on Borrowed Time (3:46)
9. Got Me Reeling (4:32)
10. Crazy Love (3:32)
11. Darker Side of You (4:40)
12. Just a Little Bit (5:26)
13. Too Many Times (4:20)
All songs written by Jonathan Earp except Empire and a Prayer, Got Me Reeling and Living on Borrowed Time Written by Jonathan Earp and Justin Johnson.
Lead guitar and vocals – Jonathan Earp
Bass – Mick Jeynes
Drums – Tim Jones
Rhythm Guitar and backing vocals – Justin Johnson
Piano and Hammond organ – Robin Fox
Backing vocals – Zoe Green
Addition Vocals on Rise Together – Tracey Earp and Sheena Sear
Shaker, Tambourine, and kitchen sink – Mark Stuart
Produced by Mark Stuart and Jonathan Earp
Mixed by Mark Stuart and Sheena Sear
Mastered by Sheena Sear
Chief Studio Entertainment – Ralf and Susie (M2 Studio dogs)
Recorded and mastered at M2 Studios
https://www.bigwolfband.com/shop
Words Graham Munn
Rhythm & Booze 