Album Review: Wolver - Act I: It Starts with a Bow
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Released a few weeks ago, Wolver’s first part of their theatrical saga begins with ‘Act I: It Starts with a Bow’. A Victorian Rock Opera, the Swedish three-piece embark on this ambitious concept piece of work with confidence and gusto. Their influences are evident from the opening overblown pomp of ‘Tabula Rasa’, this is a band who worship at the altars of Muse, Queen and QOTSA. It’s all high-level drama, sweet melodies and harmonies and catchy hooks.
Short sharp songs mean you are propelled through the concept at light speed, the thumping guitar and bass combination of the trio, The Protagonist (lead vocals and guitar), The Brawler (drums), and The Charmer (guitar) also evoke comparisons with Royal Blood and The Black Keys.
The first part of Wolver’s saga opens with their encounter with the population of Jovenia and the ensuing difficulties when challenging its power-greedy ruler. This is no ordinary concept album though, with the build up to the album assuming the form of artworks and serial narrations on social media and delivered in periodical issues, not unlike a Charles Dickens of the 21st century.
After the initial three-foot stomping songs, the concept gets into full swing with the complex structures of ‘Once A Puppet, Now a King’. Immersed into the story, you can then enjoy the way this album unfolds. There’s the breakthrough single ‘101’, the histrionics of ‘God Bless America’, the more sedate pace of the ballad ‘Upstream’ and the Mercury drenched piano conclusion of ‘Til Tomorrow’.
Musically this is as good as it gets. I’m not a fan of the flamboyance on display here but I can certainly appreciate the quality. The musicianship is intense, the combination of raw riffs on tracks like ‘My Wife, The Witch’ with layered keyboards and pounding drums whilst the band’s harmonies are quite magnificent. The Protagonist summoning the horsepower of two performers by splitting his guitar signal into both bass and guitar amps Their mutated morphing is undeniably reminiscent of Queen, Muse and The Darkness, those names repeatedly springing to mind.
It’s an album that is far outside the norm for 2020. In a year when weird and strange became normal, ‘Act I: It Starts with a Bow’ may just be the most ordinary thing you’ll hear.
The album is out now on Rexius Records
