Wucan return with their third full length installment. On previous albums they pitched themselves as Heavy Flute Rock. Most bands that use flute have Jethro Tull stamped all over their sound, but Wucan are closer to Focus not only in the use of instrumentation but also in some of Francis Tobolsky’s more elastic, soaring vocal melodies. The flute is still here but is used more as a rhythmic instrument than flute solos every other song. Although this may be a disappointment to long term fans it works in the overall vibe of the album.
It starts off with two full on rockers “Kill the King” and “Don’t break the Oath” but its third track “Fatte Deutsche” that made me sit up and pay closer attention. Sang in their native language (translating as Fat Germans…I think), it adds an extra layer of aggression to the vocals. It also features a new instrument in the Wucan sound. A Theremin solo! Wucan also dispense with the usual Sabbath influence that turns up in retro sounding bands. Instead transforming the songs with the previously mentioned Focus influence and believe it or not Italian Farther of Disco Giorgio Moroder. This might sound vomit inducing on paper but in practice it adds to these songs in a way that forces them into really, interesting shapes.
The Rhythm Section of Philip Knöfel (Drums) and Alexander Karlisch (Bass) are tighter than a miser’s wallet and they allow the music to really swing. There are some serious funk grooves happening under the powerhouse Lead vocals and the frankly stunning guitar work of Tim George. At every turn they surprise and take the Listener down a new, deeper rabbit hole.
The second German language track “Zwischen Liebe Und Zorn” (Between Love and Anger) is a cover by obscure German prog rockers Renft from 1972. Wucan supercharge it much the same way Metallica did to am I evil (which Wucan also covered a few years back). They make it their own replacing the obligatory Hammond with the flute. This is one of two full-on flute solos on the album, and they go for it. The lead vocal of Francis sounds like Dio and Thijs van Leer had a witchy love child. The second vocal by Guitarist Tim George must be heard to be believed. It’s the heaviest track on the album and convinces me that I personally would love to hear a full German language album from them at some point in the future.
Wucan always land one long track to finish out an album and Heretic Tongues is no exception. This is an epic called Physical Boundaries, aptly named it pushes the boundaries of what they do as a band. Starting with a soft vocal and slinky groove it opens into a wider realm of funky Psych. If Isaac Hayes made a rock song…this would be it. They throw everything at it.
At its core Heretic Tongues is a really, good hard rock album. It’s the experimental textures and new additions to their sound that make it a great one. You will hear a lot of great hard rock albums this year, but you will be hard pressed to hear one this unique.
In “Far and Away” they sing Heretic tongues have led you astray, but it’s a journey worth taking. Not all who wander are lost.
-Bobo
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