This time round, I’m reviewing the self-titled album Wolfmother, by Woldmother (d’uh). If the name sounds familiar, I wouldn’t blame you, because one of their songs, Joker and the Thief, became something of a rock anthem in the past decade. Well, I thought I should prod a little more and see if it was just a one-hit-wonder i.e. were Wolfmother any good. Boy was I in for a shock.

The album was released back in 2005, and like Dear Agony, I took an immediate liking to the album. Nearly all the songs are amazing. A common thread in almost all of the songs is the pace. It’s fast. With addictive riffs, excellent drums and distinctive vocals of Andrew Stockdale, the album is a good one.

Wolfmother

1. Collosal – 4/5 – It’s a rambling number. A bit slow on tempo, but an amazing song nevertheless. It doesn’t flow, it crashes from one bit to another, and that’s good. Because it isn’t fast, it’s a graceful crash, instead of thrash…
2. Woman – 4/5 - Exactly the opposite of what Collosal is. A fast song which can provide adequate neck-exercise i.e. a very-head-bangable song. Not a song you’re likely to skip if it comes up in your playlist.
3. White Unicorn - 3/5 – For some reason, I didn’t like this song as much as the others in the album. A good song in its own right, but it pales in front of the other masterpieces in the album.
4. Pyramid – 4/5 – This is song is spooky. And I love it. He doesn’t play the guitar, more like makes it wail. But it’s beautiful in an unearthly way, till the drums kick in. An amazing song all-in-all.
5. Mind’s Eye – 4/5 – It’s a slow song, but one which accelerates without you noticing. The chorus is slow, drawling but oh-so-addictive….
6. Joker and the Thief – 5/5 – Possible the most popular song by Wolfmother, Joker and the Thief is extremely addictive. Also, an amazing workout song, because it sets such an amazing tempo.
7. Dimension – 5/5 – Once you get past the unearthly scream, you settle into a drum packed verse, which is followed by the best chorus I’ve heard in a very very long time, with an extremely addictive riff.
8. Where Eagles Have Been – 4/5 – A slow song to begin with, but, but one which packs a lot into it, after about a minute or so. A good listen.
9. Apple Tree – 2/5 – The most forgettable song for me in the album. The one I always skip. Never liked it. Don’t think it will grow on me either.
10. Tales From the Forest of the Gnomes – 3/5 – A sweet song, till you get to the chorus, which may/may not get on your nerves. It got on mine a bit, that’s why it’s got only 3.
11. Witchcraft – 5/5 – Possibly my favourite in the album. An awesome song from the word ‘go’. Guitar does wonders in the background.
12. Vagabond – 4/5 – The song which inspired me to pursue Wolfmother, after Joker and the Thief. Heard it as part of the soundtrack of 500 Days of Summer, and just had to get more of the band. A good way to end the album.

Should tell you that the band broke up after Wolfmother. Andrew Stockdale then took on some other band members, and they produced Cosmic Egg, which I will review sometime soon.