By Monk
The problem with the categorization of bands into specific generic pigeonholes is that it can lead to just that: the association of a specific musical style which does not necessarily suit either the band or their musical modus operandi, especially when the latter casts a much wider net than that initial pat post boxing. A case in point are these German retro-rockers, who could fit so easily into the broad church which recently has been branded as the “New Wave of Classic Rock”: but that is to do Hound something of a dis-service because, whereas the majority of the bands blithely so compartmentalized propound a style of blues-rock reminiscent of the heyday of Messrs Hunter, Ronson et al, this particular combo have so much more to offer, traversing seemingly disparate but comfortingly complementary styles, from folk to psychedelia, blues to ambient prog, and even disharmonic jazz, with an alacrity and ease that confounds as much as it enervates.
If you’re expecting me to provide easy to recognize reference points, well you’ll have better luck down the local Ordnance Survey office, as, while they are there, they are often obscured in plain sight. A prime example is Wanja Neite’s hugely unique vocal style, which one moment touches upon the fragility of Janice Joplin, the next the rich bluesiness of Erin Larsson or Lynne Jackaman, before exploding into the punky vibrancy of Patti Smith melded with the noir pop sensibility of Marianne Faithfull.
Musically, the album very much follows Neite’s lead, veering quickly but efficiently from the heavy Steppenwolf style opening blues of ‘Sleep In Thunder’ to the maniacal bar-room brawl-inducing ‘All Of Us’ and ‘Upside Down’ to the organ-fuelled Curved Air-meets-Jethro Tull (and this is not the last JT reference on the album, by any stretch of the imagination) style prog of ‘Fortune’, the punked-up Steeleye Span jamming with Sinead O’Connor folkishness of ‘Loyalty’ and the circus-ring vaudevillian Avatar-meets-Zappa anarchy of ‘The Abyss’.
‘I Know My Enemies’ has the potential to be a very confusing album. And, in many ways, it is. It mashes up styles, but in a way that is honest and unapologetic in its both its intent and its delivery. And that is where its beauty lies. In its ability to transcend both genres and description, to be enjoyed for what it is. And that is reward in itself.
- ‘I Know My Enemies’ is released on Friday (26 March). You can get your copy HERE.
www.facebook.com/hound.hardrock
- All content © Über Rock. Not to be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission of Über Rock.