There’s always something to be said when you put on an album without knowing a single thing about it other than the name and then the moment the first note rings, you know that you’re in for a treat. As a music enthusiast, curator and somewhat of a tastemaker, that feeling gets to be expressed here on Audioeclectica. And now here’s a band that is equal parts post-hardcore, noise rock, blues and melodic. Hailing from Belgium, Wrong Man features members of Oathbreaker (their album Rheia is beyond a masterpiece. Seriously it’s ten years old now and still will have you crying tears and blood (metaphorically)), Rise And Fall and Partisan. Their second album, Here’s That Feeling (note what I said previosly), is a soulfully sonic and dynamic album that is raw and beyond expressive. Each song arms itself with a tonality that lets each member’s part guide you in the direction needed to go.
Here’s That Feeling on first listen felt like I had missed an album from the era of bands like Fugazi, Drive Like Jehu, Helmet and even Rollins Band and Planes Mistaken For Stars to an extent.
The way the album opens with “Loose Ends” it feels like a shotgun blast to the heart. Then “It Won’t Wash Off” into “Exit Strategy” and a very stunning guest spot from Jeremy Bolm of Touche Amore. One song that really stuck out and caused multiple repeats is track four, “Blue.” The aggressive yet melodic nature of the song really opened up the album a bit more a bit like a perfect transition into track five “Petty Thief.” The way the album starts and gets to this point is beautiful. As the album unfolds even more, with “Mystic Eye” and “Heaven Ain’t Happening.” The final two songs “Ripped Open I” and “Ripped Open II” are absolute gems. Live these songs will hit on the epic richter scale. There’s so much great music, lyrics, melodies and subtle parts to make you feel like you are floating. Seriously put on a really great set of headphones and just press play. You’ll thank me later!
What a great album! This is pure and natural progression for a band like this. One other great aspect of this record is the immeasurable amount of tension and urgency found throughout. One can only hope that US dates are announced for Wrong Man. Los Angeles surely needs this! And of course Deathwish Inc releases this great album. They’ve been on quite the roll over the past few years with the bands and albums released! Now go make the right decision and listen to Wrong Man!
By: Brian Lacy
Wrong Man- Here’s That Feeling:
