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Album Details

• Artist: The Quartet Of Woah!
• Album: Ultrabomb
• Label: Raging Planet
• Year of Release: 2012
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2013-01-02

Media

As a North American consumer of music, it's not exactly easy to tap into the European indie music scene. So when you do stumble onto bands such as Portugal's The Quartet of Woah! like we did on UNSW 6, you certainly tend to keep tabs on them. So here it is, one final release from 2012 to be critiqued in 2013. So, how'd they do?

Before we get to the music, it's important that I give kudos for the artwork. For 7 euros, this is an awesome effort from the band and distributor Raging Planet. Glossy quadruple fold containing a lyric booklet that doubles as a poster and alludes to the basic concept of this album.

Without revealing the base and premise of the concept at hand, individual songs like "Empty Stream" lean on an edge of Rock fairly simplistic, but bruting. Then there's tracks like "Balance", that not only have that brut like sound, but merge with raucous keyboard.

Generally speaking, and I may catch some flack for this, Rui Guerra's lead vocals often channel that echoed Syd Barrett sort of eery nachalance. "Slightshot Sam" and a few others like "Master Lever Had A Dream" reflect a bit of a retro-style vocals, paired with more organ style keyboard. 

 One thing that is pretty clear after a few full spins, most of the hooks here are seemingly a derivative of Hendrix's "Manic Depression", which could be your dream or your nightmare depending on your taste.  

Much like a premature version of Tame Impala or Amplified Heat, TQOW has a raw bite to it's guitars. Driven in a sludge, don't get me wrong Ultrabomb has it's moment of signature and intensified clarity. Most refreshing is, although there are a few somber parts to hang your hat on at times, there is no predictable acoustic ender or intermission. This is just a good 'ole fashioned rock release with a plot to boot.

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