Review by Taf Rock for MPM
A lone wolf howls and calls the pack to attention, signalling the arrival of ‘Empire and a Prayer’ – the debut single from Birmingham’s Big Wolf Band forthcoming album ‘Rebel’s Journey’ due for release April 19th.
A joint composition from guitarist/vocalist/frontman Jonathan Earp and rhythm guitar/vocalist Justin Johnson who provides the lyrics, this track demonstrates a somewhat rockier edge to the quintet’s sound than usual but is still full of that unmistakable Big Wolf Band sound enjoyed by the ever increasing pack of followers at a multitude of gigs, the band are one of the hardest working on the circuit and constantly gigging throughout the year.
Tim Jones on drums and Mick Jeynes on bass bolt out of the stalls with a fast paced powerful rhythm setting the scene for Robin Fox to introduce his terrific keyboards which are omnipresent throughout (one of the defining ingredients of the Big Wolf sound).
‘Head in overload… strap in tight, turn the key’ Jonathan goes for a drive to ‘free his mind’ and ‘answer his prayer’.
The music blasts out of the sound system as you hit the road – ‘the only medicine that you need’. It truly captures the essence of the ‘symbiotic dream’ between man and machine. ‘Pedal to the metal… just watch me go… heartbeat overdrive guaranteed’.
The music takes you away to a better place. Lively, fast paced, energetic, a full on rocker demonstrating the many talents of the Midland’s quintet to the max.
Zoe Green guests on backing vocals – a long overdue return to the music industry and the Big Wolf fold for the multi talented Midlands songstress – whilst Jonathan reminds us of his excellence on guitar with a tasty lead break.
2024 marks a decade of Big Wolf getting together. The band have assembled quite a following and are known for their dynamic, genre defying live sets as demonstrated on their previous release the excellent 14 track ‘Live & Howlin’ which perfectly captured the atmosphere and energy of their vibrant live sets.
On the evidence of this first single the pack will be howling in delight and growing in numbers come April 19th when the full ‘Rebel’s Journey’ album is unleashed.
Catch the band live throughout 2024 on the Rebel’s Journey tour.
Rebel’s Journey 2024 Tour Dates
Tickets: www.bigwolfband.com/tour-dates
BIG WOLF BAND
