Cosmic Egg Review

   In 2006, the world of music was introduced to Wolfmother's debut studio album. They are one of the more "classic" rock acts out currently, influenced by 70's material like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, some psychedelic, but was able to fit in with their competitors with Queens of the Stone Age's carefree stoner metal mood and the White Stripes' feel. The debut was great, even if songs like Dimension and Apple Tree were a little erratic, but did score the superb riff heavy singles Woman and Joker and the Thief.  In more recent years, hard rock has been running out of steam, but is Wolfmother's sophomore effort the genre's last bit of energy?

   Maybe it was the dramatic line up change, or the three years difference in releases, but Wolfmother's second release is simply refined, truly embracing the psychedelic vibe with modern recording techniques. Songs like White Feather and Far Away gave me a strange, Beatles like feel, even if they weren't as good as White Unicorn. The new bassist is obviously into stoner rock, the fuzz bass is cool and the Sundial wah intro must of had Cliff Burton "Anesthesia Pulling Teeth" influences in it. If something does take a hit, it's Andrew Stockdale's voice, he tries a little too hard here, especially when he tries to hit the high notes. He had a fairly cool blend of Robert Plant and Ozzy Osbourne's vocal chords, but now it feels like Jack White's nasally voice made an unexpected appearance, which on my first listen, had me cringe somewhat, though it was only on the first listen. Actually, solos from Sundial and In the Castle sounded almost like White Stripes out takes, which isn't a band thing.

   The new album, like the self titled isn't something to entirely take seriously, but Wolfmother improves their formula for a release that feels much more like an album, even if there isn't a truly classic single, which is Cosmic Egg's downfall. From California Queen, to the actually quite interesting, yet occasionally noisy cover of Hendrix's If 6 was 9,  it's entertaining. It didn't have me raising my devil horns like Woman did, but its definitely a worthy listen, so whether your looking for a great rock album, or waiting for more Queens of the Stone Age material, check it out.

4/ 5