Massive Wagons – House Of Noise
Album review by; Nick
Artist: Massive Wagons
Album: House of Noise
Release Date: 17 July 2020
UK Album Chart Entry: #9
NWOCR for the past 3 years have showcased some of the most talented bands of today and I shall be reviewing a top ten album with one of the founding fathers of the NWOCR scene Massive Wagons and the album is none other than House of Noise. This is your track by track review of the album to describe what I think is easily one of the albums of 2020.
The album kicks off with the lead single we have all grown to know and love on the radio and Spotify these past few months. In It Together is a tune that is fitting to these times. Instantly recognisable and a future live staple for the band. The song is punchy, it’s anthemic, it is the perfect opening track and it instantly draws the listener in.
Bangin In Your Stereo picks up where In It Together leaves off. Another single off the album a fantastic sing along song which shows the bands frustration at mainstream radio and the lyrics are perfectly written to show their feelings. A mid-tempo rocker which keeps the album flowing pleasantly with plenty of sing-along lyrics and an enjoyable chorus.
The title track House of Noise shows how the band can shine with influences. This track has a dance rock influence. It is a quite different sounding song with a slight 90s feel. This song shows that the bands ability to be different without leaving their signature sound behind and that they craft songs brilliantly without sounding too similar.
Freak City is a catchy anthemic song. It has a feel good vibe to it and a solid gang chorus to sing along to boot. The lyrics are very thought pondering and put you in the situation of the song. The song demonstrates a pop punk style to it and takes you back to those days of skate punk in the mid to late 90s. There is also a lovely melodic guitar solo in the middle of the song which demonstrates melody. A fantastic melodic rock song with lots of light and shade.
Hero harks back to an era where heavy rock was unpredictable and experimental. The band show here that they are not afraid to experiment with their sound.
It reminds me of one of AC/DC's slower darker songs for example, Hells Bells, Night Prowler and then comes the bridge in the song which demonstrates shades of Black Sabbath’s Heaven and Hell. This song truly brings that classic metal feel to the table.
With Professional Creep the band show more of the tasteful influence with the opening riff this time the song has an indie rock style gallop very much in the style of the Arctic Monkeys which truly indicates the diversity of the band. As with other songs on the album it has a unique sound and does not sound like anything else. The lyrics are sharp and quite autobiographical in nature and leaves the listener pondering with the story.
Pressure is a fast boogie rocker and stands as a perfect opener to the vinyl side B.
It serves as a brilliant rock opener to any rock playlist or live set list.
The band opened with this song on their recent gig for their Planet Rock - Rock’s the Asylum set list.
It is fast, catchy and in your face, three to four minutes of boogie rock brilliance.
The Curry Song is the next track. I love the subject choice and it is unlike any theme heard in a rock n roll song before. The lyrics are brilliantly written, and the song itself harks back to the comedy of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band. The song is done in such a tasteful way and gives the listener a sense of feel good rock leaving them hungry for more.
Glorious is the next song and I am stuck for words to describe this song. A Myriad of vocal harmonies and lyrics with the band demonstrating their frustrations with mainstream media. It is a true statement from the band. Massive Wagons are here to stay, and they aren’t going away anytime soon. Intimate uplifting lyrics sort of a thank you to the people who have supported them along the way.
The mood changes with Sad Sad Song it really is what it says on the tin and the lyrics will leave the listener pondering with what the theme of the song is all about. The song is written in such a way that makes you think and to keep guessing the true meaning. It also is a song where you can put yourself in the narrator’s shoes. A song very much of the times which leaves the listener reflecting on life and the world around them.
Hallescrewya is a musical stab at their critics. This time showing their frustration at people who leave their show not staying until the end to give them a chance. It is a sing-along anthem and a little story about the negative experiences the band have had during their career. The title to the song is also a play on words that the band put together brilliantly for the song.
The album closes with Matter of Time. Like Sad Sad Song before it has a thoughtful feel throughout and leaves the listener captivated. Like Northern Boy from the previous album it has a kind of story to tell and it is truly performed from the heart. A satisfying album closer and a beautiful ballad that will not leave a dry eye in the house.
In conclusion it's safe to say I love this album House of Noise. A strong contender for my personal album of the year and it will take a masterpiece to knock it off my top 5 because this truly is a 2020 work of art. If Full Nelson is the bands Revolver, then House of Noise is their Sgt Pepper. A true modern classic and things can only get better from here.
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Buy the album here:
https://www.massivewagons.com/product-page/house-of-noise-pre-order-released-17th-july
Social Media;
https://www.massivewagons.com/
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https://www.youtube.com/massivewagons
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