Wolfmother, the Australian wonder down under have done what few bands accomplish - outdo a critically acclaimed breakthrough album while surviving an almost complete change in lineup. Originally a trio comprising vocalist and guitarist Andrew Stockdale, bassist and keyboardist Chris Ross and drummer Myles Heskett, the band released their debut self-titled album in 2005, and reached number three on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart. Yet, despite all of the acclaim, the cd lacked any real depth or ingenuity and while "Woman" was a capable song it did not hold the weight of all the other tunes surrounding it. They were on the path many have traveled of being a one hit wonder or at best turning out cds that would never reach the acclaim their debut did.
However, lead singer Stockdale apparently had other ideas that have thankfully given way to the Wolfmother cd that should have been released to begin with.
After some co-founding members left the band due to "irreconcilable personal and musical differences," Stockdale reformed the band with new members, exactly what Wolfmother needed not to become a one hit wonder resting on its laurels. Enter "Cosmic Egg" and a new breed of rock for Wolfmother that has indeed hatched.
Echoing equal parts Hendrix, Who, Uriah Heep, that gives the songs a rock, aluminum (not quite metal) and psychedelic feel; "Cosmic Egg" grabs you by the jugular with "California Rising" and throttles you with uncompromising, swagger and too-tight-jeans swagger for twelve tracks.
It may have taken four years and a few goodbyes but "Cosmic Egg" highlights what Wolfmother can really be - a tight fisted, rock band with no apologies and no fears. Cosmic? Sure. Celestial ? Most definitely.
5 Stars
