Mammoth WVH – II
8/10
Even though this is a pretty straightforward rock album, it is still diverse enough to warrant your interest and admiration for the duration of the 48 minutes that this album is.
Building on from the debut (I) this release (II) takes everything a little bit further in bombasicity.
The sound is fatter, the guitars are wilder, the production as a whole leans more towards stadium size performance. I can hear inspiration in song from different decades quite easy I think. “Another Celebration at the End of the World” sounds very much like the 60’s classic California sun (The Rivieras 1964) and “I´m alright” should make a lot of hairspray bands wet themselves.
There are also a lot of songs with fleshy riffs and meaty rhythms going through. “Miles Above Me” has both of these components to go along with a really catchy melody and a fantastic chorus to top that. My favorite song of the album.
The song “Optimist” sounds like an Alice in Chains song. “Like A Pastime” could have been on any of Tremonti´s albums without shame.
“Waiting” has a lovely painful vibe to it. I would almost go so far as Goo Goo Dolls on this one. But more rock powerful in its delivery.
As said before, this album is just big. On everything. But it does not feel forced. There is a natural progression, development of the trade as a band, a musician with a purpose and a goal of what he wants to create. And sure, the music is not advanced and challenging like some bands can be. But it is entertaining, lifts your mood and does grow with every listen I would say.
Mammoth WVH will play a big role in the future of rock music. That is my hope and prediction. Already looking forward to the next album. But until then I will enjoy this one.
Band: Mammoth WVH
Title: II
Label: BMG
Date of release: 2023-08-04
Rate: 8/10
Stand Out Track: Miles Above Me
Country of Origin: USA
Playing Time: 48:12
