Andy Last, Tony Major, Joe Colfar and Lee Page make up the London based quartet WitchDoktors who are one of the UK’s most enduring and electrifying garage punk rock’n’`roll bands who have been tearing up the UK live-scene across three decades. Rock’n’Roll Magazine described them as “the missing link between rockabilly, blues, 1970s prime-time punk and 1960s garage,” their sound is a riotous blend of snarling guitars, infectious hooks, and raw energy. They release their latest album `Izzatso?` their sixth, this month which was conceived during COVID and then delayed by the sad passing of their longtime collaborator and legendary recording engineer Pat Collier.
We kick off with `Lightning Strike` a cataclysmic vision of the impact of climate change which features slide guitar by Leigh Heggarty of Ruts DC. A blistering and searing opening number that throws down the gauntlet for what’s to follow. The anthemic `Before the War` follows which may be a reflection on the difficult times we are currently experiencing along with an echo on a relationship that has gone awry.
`High Dry & Burn` had a kind of edgy possessed rockabilly feel with lyrics that suggests being left in a difficult, helpless, and possibly betrayed position. There`s a brief but cracking guitar solo midway through. I have to say I loved `Freedom Fighter` and for me it had that Clash `The Magnificent Seven` vibe but rather than being funky and hip hop, it`s an out and out slice of what I’d call outlaw reggae.
`One Shot` is the longest track on the album and a much more reflective rock number possibly about societal changes. There was a more belligerent almost aggressive sense to `Planet of Pain` a rhythmic outing with pounding drums, throbbing bass, scorching guitar riffs and blazing brass hues, cracking stuff.
The biblical name `Jezebel` conjures up images of deception and manipulation which is probably par for the course here on this probing racing rock out. We have a dub come reggae and ska like texture to `Spanner in the Works` a call to arms to come together and as Bob Marley preached, stand up for your rights.
`God Knows` excels a sort of exasperated attitude, a composition about life maybe or religion. A pulsing number with a chugging guitar and organ tinges. The expansive `Candy Star` is another contemplative track on perhaps somebody who seeks the limelight and attention at any cost.
The album closes with `Kicking the Can` an atmospheric almost cinematic submission which has Mexican tones and some almost surreal lyrics that give it a quite ghostly, unearthly, and other worldly perception.
`Izzatso?` is a really enjoyable listen with a variety of musical styles in Reggae, rock, ska, and lyrics that are full of social and societal commentary. They are renowned for their scorching live shows and have a fair few gigs lined up around the country in support of this latest release. An opportunity too good to be missed I feel.
Rating 8.5/10
