White Widdow: White Widdow

Hailing from Melbourne, White Widdow are Aussies, but I'm pleased to say that the keyboard heavy melodic rock they produce is far removed from the AC/DC image that any band from that country seems determined to follow. Put together two years ago by singer Jules Millis, White Widdow rely heavily on the keyboard talents of his brother Xavier and guitarist Enzo Almanzi to create some slick melodies and irresistible hooks that implant themselves in your brain.

Taking a blueprint of White Sister and Survivor and then marrying that with early Danger Danger and Jules sleek vocals which add a tinge of Treat to the mix, this debut album sets off at full pace (once the obligatory atmospheric intro is out of the way). A searing riff and pumping keys are ably backed by the bass playing of Trent Wilson and the solid drumming of Jim Naish however it is the insistent chorus of "Tokyo Rain" that really sets White Widdow's stall out. Instantly memorable and impossible not to sing along with, this is the sort of stuff that classic eighties melodic rock/AOR had in spades and something that WW seem able to throw out at ease. Whether it is "We've Got The Wings" or "Fire & Ice", the hooks are razor sharp, Xavier's keyboard playing is bright and joyous and Almanzi's guitar work is sharp and incisive. Almanzi also impresses with some excellent solos that blaze up and down the fret board without compromising the ultra catchy melodies and sugar coated choruses.

"Shadows Of Love" and "We've Got The Wings" are the compulsory slower numbers, but even these are done with a touch of class, Jules really shining behind the mic and the harmony vocals hitting the spot. It is however the feel good rockers that really show White Widdow at their best and as debuts in this ever crowding genre go, this is pretty damn impressive.

Are they original? Not a jot! Is it good? Too right mate!

Track Listing
1. Shoukai (Intro)
2. Tokyo Rain
3. Broken Hearts Won't Last Forever
4. We've Got The Wings
5. Cross To Bare
6. Don't Fail Me Now
7. Spirit Of Fire
8. Shadows Of Love
9. One More Day
10. Change Of Passion
11. Fire & Ice

Added: October 8th 2010
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: White Widdow Official Web Site
Hits: 2696
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]