Some consider "classic rock" to be a term for a music linked to a certain time period, and in some respects that is true, but there is also an argument to be made for classic rock to be seen as not just a term but as genre in its own right, a music possessing a sound that is immediately identifiable, much like doom and heavy psych. We at Desert Psychlist are of the belief that classic rock has over the years become a sum of both of these theories, a music that most certainly has it roots in what has gone before but that is now spreading those roots into newer soils, a theory that brings us nicely around to discussing Boston based outfit Worshipper and their new album "One Way Trip"(Magnetic Eye Records)
Worshipper, singer and guitarist John Brookhouse; drummer Dave Jarvis; bass player and backing vocalist Bob Maloney and guitarist Alejandro Necochea, are a bit of an anomaly in that they exist and ply their trade in a scene dominated by heavy riffing doom and stoner bands yet jam a sound that is far more harmonious and melodic. Lilting choruses and ear catching hooks are Worshipper's weapons of choice and they wield them with a dexterity that would make some of rocks mainstream big hitters green with envy, in other words Worshipper's sound comes from a more classic and hard rock place, a place where heaviness stands on an equal footing with melody. Opening track "Heroic Dose" is a prime example of this, the song boasts chugging rhythms and thuggish riffs heavy enough to start a mosh pit yet at the same time is in possession of enough hooks, both musically and vocally, to make a mainstream rock radio stations playlist, For next track "Keep This" Worshipper mix a little blues flavoured country rock into their groove the result of which is a sound that carries a hint of The Drive By Truckers in its execution, which is never a bad thing. We spoke earlier of mainstream rock radio and if there was ever a song that could propel Worshipper into that particular world then it is "Windowpane" a perfectly delivered torch song taken to another level by Brookhouse's wearied almost pleading vocal tones and Necochea's scorching guitar work. "Only Alive" is proof that Worshipper have the chops to stand toe to toe with the hardest of rockers, the songs metallic and crunchy refrains may not be doomic or stonerish but they pack a hefty punch. There is an essence of Thin Lizzy in the dual guitar attack of "Acid Burns" while "James Motel" sees the band toying with aspects of doom and stoner rock albeit twinned with elements of 80's hard rock. Twin guitar harmonies are also at the forefront of next track "The Spell" and Desert Psychlist is reminded here of Jimmy Bain's and Brian Robertson's short-lived band Wild Horses. Worshipper go full on doom for penultimate track "Onward" the band mixing the genres dankness with elements of atmospheric bluesiness over which a suitably mournful vocal is layered. The band finally bring things to a close with "Flashback" a very brief heavy psych instrumental, a song that finishes far earlier than you will want it to.
Worshipper have delivered, with "One Way Trip", an album that possesses the melodic might and songcraft of bands like Foreigner, Bad Company and Thin Lizzy blended with the tough metallic grit of stoner rock, doom and heavy psych. If we are now starting to think of classic rock as less of a term and more of a genre then Desert Psychlist cannot think of a better band than Worshipper to bear its flag.
Check 'em out ....
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