Release Date: March 13, 2024
Label: Independent
I received this special purple vinyl edition of The Great Bewilderment and gave it a spin. It was another COVID project that reached fruition after many years. Having never heard of this man and his music, I did not know what to expect, which made it intriguing, especially after looking at the odd and unique cover art. I thought to myself, this is either going to be very strange or surprisingly good. Well, I loved it from beginning to end.
Side A begins with “A'coming Home,” which features a
strumming guitar, whirling organ, and catchy rhythms (which populate this
release consistently). The rhythms change and slow down, and then it goes back
to the previous pace, which is medium speed. The vocals get louder and more
emotive, and some good guitar makes it more electrifying (literally). The
harmonizing towards the end is excellent, as this fine opener kicks things off.
“The 6.09” has a steady
acoustic guitar with drums and bass
holding the line. Max’s vocals begin to
have a familiar ring, and Marc Bolan (T.Rex) comes to mind. The music goes in
another direction and level (get used to that) as the vocals are ready for the
task. It goes back and forth to emphasize the lyrics. It ends the way it started, with
acoustic picking.
“Sweep Away The Shards”
has sharp but gentle electric guitar lines to
set the foundation. It is very purposeful as the vocals arrive. The energy is
maintained, and then it reaches an apex as Max sings “This is Goodbye,” which
is printed in caps on the accompanying lyric sheet. Excellent six-string bending demonstrates how the
words can make their impression more effective.
“Gaza” starts with Pink
Floyd-like instrumentation, then explodes with meaty guitar chords, very heavy
to push the line “I Gotta Run,” repeated four times. Max sounded like Roger
Waters on this track, which fits well with the music. His inflection before he
raises the pitch and tone is a superb way to close out the side.
Here is where I have a
problem with all the emphasis on Gaza in many instances and not just music;
everyone forgets what happened in Israel. I feel the war is wrong and all the
innocents that felt the pain of what happened on both sides, but let us not
forget who began this conflict and stop making Israel out to be the bad guy.
How about a song about Israel? I never
like to mix politics into my reviews, but I just had to speak up this time. The
song is very political and one-sided, regardless of how good it is musically.
Side B opens with “Love
Stay Strong,” an entirely different atmosphere than the previous track, which
is par for the course in this eclectic
work of progressive rock, a genre known for its complex and experimental
nature. This time it sounds more like a pop-rock track stepping outside their
comfort zone, but it is good. The track is about that age-old subject of love, with
a country blues tone, leaving the pop elements behind for a while. Lap steel
gives it that atmosphere quickly, as it always does, as it wines in the
background like a lost train. The vocals are excellent. The track impressed me with
how the band can create such different music from track to track while, for the
most part, except for this one, keeping their prog-rock roots.
“The Book of Dread” is
segued from the previous track with a spacey guitar and keys, again turning the
atmosphere upside down. Then, the bass jumps in as the drums pick up the
pace, and the mix becomes more complex.
Max is in good voice again. His vocals resonate with you as you absorb his
words, tapping your feet to the rhythms and bottom end, which is always so
strong and ready to change with the flow so quickly. This is
exceptional musicianship on display consistently! Piercing guitar lines permeate the air and the
record grooves. The changes are very progressive
and impressive.
“The Here & Now” is easygoing
music, and as expected, it takes another twist and turns before returning to
its starting point. As the album continues, you realize the vocals are perfect
for this music, whether quirky, slow, fast, or flat-out rocking. Max is always ready
to use his voice as another instrument for effects. The elasticity of his voice
and range adapt to all the changes, going very high when he sings “in the here
and now.”
“The Gratitude Suite” ends
your listening journey and is a good finale. I liked the way the guitar started
more subdued, then began cranking it up as the music shifted. The bass
leads, then goes to the Lap Steel for more effect, and then the guitar comes
back, wailing away with some sound effects and strong lines, as the vocals are
as superb as they ever were with heavy lyrics. The changes are many in one
track, and Max is one of many consistent factors for these solid tracks.
The Great Bewilderment leaves me with one question: why has Vanderwolf not released more music? His love for recording is evident; even his website states this is an incomplete collection. For his sake and music lovers everywhere, I hope to see more of his music released, entertaining us all with his unique sound and exceptional musicianship.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR
Reviews Founder
November 8, 2024
Tracks:
Side A:
1. A'coming Home
2. The 6.09
3. Sweep Away The Shards
4. Gaza
Side B:
1. Love Stay Strong
2. The Book of Dread
3. The Here & Now
4. The Gratitude Suite
