Sing Hallelujah for the Old Machine is the debut album from Three Blind Wolves, and since the release of the mini album Sound Of The Storm there has certainly been a lot of anticipation.
We see the album start off with ‘In Here Somewhere’, which is a perfect opener, a lazy rhythm drives the song and we see Ross Clark’s vocals and lyrics make the centre point.
The song progresses slowly into a heavily layered guitar and vocal outro, the combination of vocal harmonies and shimmering guitar effects create a wonderful soundscape.
The pace is picked up in ‘Tall Man Riding’ where we hear a psychedelic aspect introduced as well as a heavy push on vocal harmonies.
The fluttering between the two main sections of this track is a terrific piece of composition, however the track feels like it needed to go somewhere more fulfilling than it does to make it truly great.
‘Parade’ features a fantastic pre-chorus and chorus that are great moments in the album but is let down by some underwhelming sections, however it shows much potential for a ‘single’ opportunity.
Next we see the two strongest tracks on the album, first ‘Edgar’s Church’, which features the strongest vocal presence on the album, double this with great backing vocal orientation and we see the beautiful sections of complex harmonies become the highlight of this track.
It then changes atmosphere rather drastically when it moves into dissonance infused ending section that is a brave move to choose but it us pulled of masterfully by the Wolves.
The best track on the album ‘Honey Fire’ has grungy, bluesy vibe eminent throughout, each section complements each other beautifully and the track ends on a collection of expertly crafted harmonies.
‘Gold on the Cross’ is an upbeat number that is a welcome change in vibe, while ‘Slow Summer Deer’ kicks up the pace, with well crafted melodies and definitive lyrics the track grabs your attention from the very start and keeps it.
Closer ‘When The Garden Gets Near’ is a stripped down track that’s simple in structure and focuses on Clark’s heartfelt lyrics giving and emotional tenderness that makes this a wonderful listen.
Sing Hallelujah for the Old Machine is an impressive piece of work and features some incredible moments.
Clark’s vocal style may not sit right with everyone but there is no doubt he possesses a huge vocal talent even if his style is a bit flamboyant for everyone’s tastes.
In comparison to Sound of the Storm you can’t help but feel that some songs just feel a little like filler but that can’t quite keep out the fantastic pieces of work on this record.
Words: Euan Coe
Rave Child 