We seem to be enjoying a resurgence of 70's influenced hard rock at the moment. With The Answer, Winterville, Roadstar and now Wolfmother seemingly rejoicing in a time when the likes of Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin ruled the planet, quite ironic when you think that this year actually marks the 30th anniversary of a punk movement that was supposed to consign these bands and their music to the vaults.

Whilst I'm actually a big fan of all things punk I'm quite enjoying hearing some good old fashioned rock, especially when its done at the level that Wolfmother and the aforementioned bands are at. As I mentioned in my review of The Answers live gig at Newcastle's Academy 2 earlier this year the music is clearly being played with a passion and enthusiasm that over-rides the fact that there's very little of any originality to be found here.

The major problem I foresee for this band above the others is the fact that Andrew Stockdale's vocals seem to be merely mimicking his heroes/influences and change from track to track to the extent that he doesn't forge any identity of his own. Shades of Plant, Ozzy, White (Jack not Snowy!!) and even PIL-era John Lydon -on the verses of "Pyramid" - are present throughout and there doesn't seem to be any Andrew Stockdale on the record.

Its true you can play spot the riff/influence all through this album, the worst offender in this respect is "White Unicorn" which lifts whole sections from "Ramble On" and "Riders On The Storm", but that's to take it at completely the wrong level. If  you come at this record from the perspective that this is a good old fashioned rock album, done well then you will enjoy it immensely.

It's only on songs like "Dimension" where the opening scream is so false as to be ludicrous that you wonder about the bands intent and it will certainly be interesting to see if Wolfmother can follow this record. However in the meantime lets (nearly!) follow Princes' advice and party like its 1969!

Let us know your views on 'Wolfmother'

Track List

Dimension
White Unicorn
Woman
Where Eagles Have Been
Apple Tree
Joker And The Thief
Colossal
Mind's Eye
Pyramid
Witchcraft
Tales
Love Train
Vagabond

Line Up

Andrew Stockdale - Vocals/Guitar
Chris Ross -  Bass/Organ
Myles Heskett - Drums