DeWolff – Muscle Shoals
Mascot – 2024
Rock, Roots
Rated:
Formed in The Netherlands in the year two thousand and seven, DeWolff have been cranking out tunes as a collective for almost two decades. They say time flies when you’re having fun and boy do DeWolff have fun! The brothers Pablo and Luka van de Poel and Robin Piso have traveled the world playing venues and festivals alike. They have played with tons of musicians across the world. The band has recorded in different countries, provinces, and states across the globe. Which brings us to the small yet historical town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, USA. Three Dutchmen walk into an Alabama studio, sounds like the setup to a bad joke your Uncle Joe might would tell at a family gathering right? No, this is not the case. The reason of course, as I mentioned, is the historic significance of Muscle Shoals. Specifically, the musical significance of the town and the famous studios within. DeWolff found themselves with a chance to record in FAME Studios and the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, both of which produced legendary acts of R&B and Soul, as well as Rock ‘n’ Roll and Southern Rock, respectively. When that opportunity came, DeWolff seized the moment.
Which brings us to the album Muscle Shoals. Even those that are familiar with or have heard of the band DeWolff may not realize this is their tenth studio album. However, there is no burnout or lack of inspiration from this group, and you need only listen to Muscle Shoals as proof. DeWolff have their own personality, it’s an irresistible feel-good atmosphere projected throughout the entire album, and you can’t help but feel its energy. The retro vibes are strong, not only in the compositions and production, but also in the songwriting. We have the rockin’ tunes of ‘Natural Woman’, ‘Truce’, and ‘Ophelia’ that achieve a 70’s sound with the vocal harmonies and the ever-present keys that are staples of DeWolff’s music. They aren’t afraid to add claps, saxophone, or backing vocals to the mix, and the songs are all the better for these additions. We have the groovin’ tracks of ‘Out on the Town’, ‘Hard to Make a Buck’, and ‘Fools & Horses’ which are full of stories and perhaps even life lessons. The influences of old school rock and soul that have shaped DeWolff are evident as they shine on Muscle Shoals, and the chemistry of the band is undeniable. The brothers have similar voices, and the back-and-forth vocals on ‘Hard to Make a Buck’ and ‘Fools & Horses’ are really special, a true highlight of the album. We have the lovin’ songs, I put them in the same category as they are all related to love, though I’d like to point out the three different stages of a relationship. You have the upbeat beginning of ‘In Love’ with a walking bass line and splendid percussion, while the backup vocals echo the fresh new excitement of affection. ‘Let’s Stay Together’ is more of a reflection of the past, longing for that initial connection that has somewhat faded over time. The track is more of a somber affair, with an orchestral sound to the organ. Then we come to the end of this trio of songs with ‘Ships in The Night’, I feel it can be interpreted in two different ways. Either the love is rekindled or the realization hits that like ships in the night, separate paths can only align for a short time.
There are four other tracks that I didn’t mention, though I hope you go out and check the album out yourself and see what all my rambling and praise is about. After enjoying their previous album, last year’s ‘Love, Death & In Between’ as much as I did, I wasn’t expecting a new album so soon, nor was I expecting such a great album. DeWolff has so many components that I enjoy. Organs, vocal harmonies, and a retro sound, just to name a few. There’s plenty to love on Muscle Shoals, and if you love Blues, Soul, and Classic Rock, you’ll enjoy this latest outing.
(Written by Jon McGough)
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