“I am the path to misery
In the land of shiny things
And some I’ve blessed with eternity
Others I’ve gnashed in my teeth
So many I’ve gnashed in my teeth
….I am rock n roll”
So sing Whiskey Myers on “Rock N Roll” – the utterly astonishing track on “Whomp Whack Thunder.” The more you think about it, the more it perfectly encapsulates the record that’s gone before.
We sit here as fans, we listen to the albums, we go to the gigs, and who hasn’t dreamed it was them when the first chord hits?
“…Thunder” is, in many ways, the dark side of that dream. Think the “Wanted (Dead Or Alive)” video where Jon Bon Jovi looks tired and miserable, and you’re on his side. It’s a study in being careful what you wish for.
Yet “Time Bomb” kicks things off with the hardest rock they’ve ever played. Whatever it is, it’s one hell of a welcome back.
And if it’s been three and a half years since their last record, they’ve lost nothing. “Tailspin” grooves somewhere between ZZ Top and Waylon Jennings as Cody Cannon admits he’s “headed for the bottom again.”
Groove, in fact, is the key to much of this album. “I Got To Move” has that classic southern swagger and a shot of soul that Whiskey Myers always carry with them.
“Rowdy Days” finds them looking forward, leaving the indiscretions behind. It’s gorgeous, and John Jeffers’ solo is sublime.
“Icarus” continues that theme, revelling in second chances and redemption – something the band themselves seem to embrace.
“Midnight Woman” might just be the highlight among highlights. It’s a beauty, the kind of song John Fogerty himself would be proud to call his own – and if you’re going to sound like anyone, you may as well pick the best.
“Break These Chains” bites with real crunch, while “Born To Do” carries an air of contentment much of the record doesn’t allow.
Then there’s “Ramblin’ Bones,” stripped back, acoustic, swinging loose. It feels like the antidote to the aforementioned “Rock N Roll.” Cannon admits, “I quit quitting a long time ago,” and you know he’s in this life for good.
And then the closer. “Monsters” ends things with a calm ballad, offering the line: “the monsters in your mind aren’t real anyway.” Whoever he’s talking to, it might be a reminder to himself.
It’s over a decade since someone texted me and said, “you need to listen to an album called ‘Early Morning Shakes’ by Whiskey Myers.” Since then, they’ve been as good as it gets. They’re the only band ever to score 11/10 on this site – because “Mud” got a 10, and the self-titled follow-up was even better. That’s when Whiskey Myers broke the system.
“Whomp Whack Thunder” is wonderful. As for the score… well, once a band’s broken the system, you know where this one stands.
Rating: Guess.
