Wyves – R U OK?
URL: https://www.ilovemywyves.com/
Wyves first formed in 2015, but they sound like they’ve played together for twenty years. They take on the time-tested tropes and poses of classic rock and refurbish them for a modern audience thanks, above all else, to a willingness to be themselves and nothing more. There are eight songs included on the band’s album R U OK? and, despite comparisons to other young rock outfits like The Struts and Greta Van Fleet, the Arizona based Wyves explore a wide-ranging variety of approaches in their revamping of the genre for a modern audience.
“Princess Excess” opens things with a killer guitar riff flourishing over a solid rhythm section performance courtesy of drummer Evan Knisely and bassist Brenden McBride. The band has a two guitar configuration ensuring there are no gaps in the band’s sound and vocalist Corey Gloden manages his role as a second guitarist and lead vocalist with considerable aplomb.
The album’s title song spikes the energy, thanks largely to Knisely’s drumming, and Gloden unleashes one of his most emphatic vocal outings full of go for broke rock and roll attitude. The rollicking guitar fills along the way gives the song an extra bit of oomph to send it over the top. The band may take the bulk of their music lessons from past masters, but they show themselves more than capable of pouring old wine into new bottles within just two songs. “Mar-A-Lago” and “Distractions” are cut from the same cloth regarding their subject matter and both songs are distinguished by biting choruses and more six string work from Gloden and Nick Sterling.
Excellent rhythm guitar work is one of the strongest qualities of R U OK? and these two songs are textbook examples of how sinewy rhythm playing can bolster already great tunes.
Another grab you by your throat guitar riff hits with the fifth song “The Speed of Sound”, but the band soon settle into simmering verses with Knisely’s drumming setting a definite tone throughout. His work on the skins is busy, but never over-indulgent and really makes the band cook during the choruses. The relentless churning of this song and its dynamic range helps “The Sound of Speed” leap out at listeners, but the rhythm section gives it a mighty undertow amping up its gravitas.
This is sure to be a blazing number for the band’s live set. Another side of the band’s sound emerges with the muted introduction for “Shake Off the Day”, but the comparatively lighter touch doesn’t defang the band’s musical punch. This is a much more considered effort and a welcome shift in gears. Wyves is set to expand their profile in a big way with R U OK? and the success this release surely brings will elevate them to a higher level than ever before. They can hold their heads up high knowing they are accomplishing so much on their own terms and in their own distinctive, authentic voice. The Phoenix headquartered four piece will be around for a long time to come.
YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8hrxQUh25Y
Mindy McCall
