I first got into this band on the recommendation of the legend that is Roger Glover who likened their sound to Purple and then another favourite of mine, Seasick Steve, likened them to the Allman Brothers… that was more than enough for me and I bought up all their stuff. Existing fans will know that DeWolff ignores trends, doesn’t pander to the industry’s expectations and always go their own way… and I applaud them for that. The previous releases have always thrown up a heady mixture of rock, blues and, for a trio, a wall of sound that belies their number. I’m delighted to report that their latest release called Love, Death and In Between is another welcome dose of rock with the DeWolff difference.
The opener ‘Night Train’ is pure genius… imagine ’68-era Purple jamming with James Brown on that old TV show of the same name! Still rock, but with soul, horns, a smile and some delicious Hammond and guitar. That soul/R’n’B feel resonates through quite a few tracks but stays firmly in Rockland and you will be drawn deep into every song.
The next surprise is the sixteen-minute epic ‘Rosita‘ featuring slide guitar, horns and harmonies that evoke CCR/Allmans with added guitar loveliness over the horny backline…then part two has soul/R’n’B and even gospel underwriting the subtle rock. Then, to keep you guessing, a gospel-like ballad is seamlessly fed into the song, before we go manic to a Caribbean Hammond section… just listen to this complex and very clever song to grasp this band’s unerring touch. A change of tack with ‘Counterfeit Love’ as they fit elements of glam rock into yet another irresistible song. Closing with the slower and moodier blues-infused rock of ‘Queen of Space and Time’ supplies yet another variation on the theme of this album as they bring a Golden Earring touch with the flute.
After a few listens, this just gets better and is one of their best and deserves to be heard across the airwaves (or whatever the equivalent is nowadays.) It’s best summed up when they sing, “Hey there baby won’t you come on in, I got plenty of old records that we can play, some rhythm & blues, some old rock ‘n roll, yes, the type of stuff that can save a soul.”
Love, Death and In Between is out on 3rd February 2023.
