There's a rare but rewarding treat for music scribes: Very occasionally we'll witness a garage band that actually grows into a remarkably mature act with a dedicated following and the potential to move into the big leagues. From the beginning Wandering Lies has worked relentlessly to perfect their craft – rethinking and reworking and refining their all-original tracks, yet never losing the passion and the raw emotion that was their genesis. The result is an act that must surely be on the brink of considerable commercial success.
The style is a grungy, female-fronted, alternative rock. There's an organic 2-guitar / bass / percussion lineup with no keys and, mercifully, no electronica. At the heart of the music is front-woman and occasional third guitarist Angie, whose heart is unashamedly exposed on her sleeve and whose raw expressive delivery defines every track. Key to the instrumentation is a drum-tight rhythm section, offset with pleasing solos and fluid guitar work. It's a timeless classic sound yet Wandering Lies manages to keep it relevant to the modern era.
The lead-in to "It's Over" is a plaintive line that evokes Ani DiFranco - but soon ramps up to a stirring piece with a vocal technique that conjures an image of a hard-edged Alanis Morisette with a more pleasing timbre. "Unreal" includes male vocals which are clean and well controlled – an important contrast to Angie's powerful rasp that showcases the band's versatility.
The band's signature track is "Void" which starts with a grungy dual-guitar intro and quickly launches into a complex melody delivered with power and heartrending emotion. It's a flawless performance, the song's structure is refreshingly unconventional and it will leave you with an earworm for weeks.
The garage band has emerged from its chrysalis. The songwriting is solid, the EP is professionally engineered, the band's stage performances are impressive, and the sum of the parts is a rewarding listen that will please discerning music fans. Don't be surprised if you see Wandering Lies in a stadium near you sooner than later.
Track Listing:
1. Void
2. It's Over
3. Unreal
4. Watch You Bleed
5. Twisted
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