Album Review: M W W B - The Harvest
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Previously known as Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard, MWWB’s time since 2019’s Yn Ol I Annwn’ can be described literally as life changing. Although there were fears amongst the band’s fanbase that the Wrexham based outfit may be concluding their musical journey, they have confirmed that this is not the case, merely slimming down the name. The pandemic (how many times have I written that in recent reviews!) impacted harder on the band than most others, with guitarist Dave suffering a severe stroke after contracting coronavirus. Thankfully, he is progressing well in rehabilitation but of course this has meant changes for MWWB.
‘The Harvest’ was recorded prior to Dave’s illness and was intended to be released over a year ago. Intended to be listened to in one sitting, it’s an album which encapsulates the band’s psychedelic sound. The fusion of heavy Sabbath style riffs, psychedelic dreamscapes and Floydian passages that move through multiple concepts and create stunning aural soundscapes flows organically from the intro of ‘Oblok Magellana’ to the conclusion on ‘Moon Rise’ some fifty minutes later.
‘The Harvest’ is a cosmic blend that intertwines cinematic scores such as ‘Interstellar Wrecking’ with pulsing space driven doom rock. Shorter pieces are sandwiched neatly between the heavier, behemoth tracks. For example, the haunting ‘Logic Bomb’ is sandwiched between ‘Interstellar Wrecking’ and the electro beat of ‘Betrayal’, providing contrast and stimulation, dipping back and fore; it all keeps the interest centred on the music.
The space ritual which opens the album segues into the crushingly heavy nine-minute title track. Huge riffs, crashing drums and sci-fi effects blend into a sonic maelstrom that gives way to a chugging feel, spiralling effects stabilising the band’s recognisable sound and paving the way for the moog, mellotron and of course, Jessica Ball’s hypnotic vocals. Further long tracks that MWWB stretch into include penultimate song ‘Strontium’, the longest song on the album which contains a spine crushingly heavy riff, some searing lead guitar work and Ball’s mournful, melancholic delivery. It’s a trippy, compelling track that drifts without urgency but always maintains its huge feel and vibe.
‘The Harvest’ is drenched in atmosphere, with enchanting and captivating songs that draw you in deep. Produced by Chris Fielding, it’s an album that may be closer to the listener than previous releases. With drummer Dom McCready (Black Moth) stepping in on drums, the core unit of MWWB is now Ball on vocals and synths, Paul Michael Davies on guitar and synths, Stuart Sinclair on bass alongside McCready. It’s possibly the finest work of the band’s already compelling musical journey. One can only hope that their road is a little less rock for the next instalment.
