Delving straight in: ‘One Way’ the opening track on Willie and the Bandits ‘Paths’ initially comes across like a hard rocking Jon Butler with a meaty edge and a message about modern-day greed. It’s an energetic opener and shows both a Blues and Roots sensibility and a rocking soul, and I guess that is the essence of Willie and the Bandits. ‘Make Love’ that follows it is dirtier, bluesier and funkier and a great groove on psychedelic groove rock, it’s a nice introduction to the band.
As you hear more what you’ll come to love about this album is that anachronistic quality with modern sensibilities, like the band has selected all the good bits from a certain slice of rock history and set out on a mission to regurgitate them in a ways that is both compelling and original.
Next up ‘Victim of the Night’ is more of a storyteller blues that has a lot of early Dire Straits about it and a wonderfully evocative solo; ‘Four Million Days’ is even grander in scope a wonderful bluesy mid tempo number that just builds and builds; ‘Chakra’ conversely sounds more like The Police with its jaunty percussion and environmental theme; and ‘Keep it on the Down Low’ gets back to that funky, rootsy Butler-esque rhythm.
‘Judgement Day’ gets bluesier again, setting up a railroad grind and shot through with bluesy licks; ‘How Long’ though might just be the best thing here – slow and languid, moody and brooding its the sound of late nights and early mornings, it’s utterly compelling.
Closing out a great album ‘Find My Way’ adds a little more Hard Rock edge; ‘Watch You Grow’ injects a little eastern promise before talking a nice languid stroll; and closing track ‘Retribution’ rebirths the Blues with a wonderfully evocative mid-tempo final word that grows and sways and shimmies with a Southern sheen. It’s up there with their very best. More please!
