3 member Philadelphia based band “Wooden Hez” just dropped their live latest CD entitled “The Hez Garage” in 2013. Band consists of: Timmay Stevens (Drums), Alan Lee (Bass), Dave Pitone (Guitar). To say the least the music on this CD is as unique as the band itself. Wooden Hez is a sensational, eccentric and powerful live CD. I like the way things kick off. Immediately with Track 1 “Reckoning.” It delivers a really raw psychedelic guitars and overall sound with some compelling vocals, tripped out writing style and superfluous melodic touches her and there that really bring a special touch to the song, Right away I can hear bands like The Vines, Velvet Underground, The Hives, Klaxons, The Subways and even The Killers. Track 2 and 3 “Rock Star” and “Punk Rock Jack” really give you the impression as if you’re listening to a 70’s band with a more modern-day twist. The musical flow of both tracks are eccentric, bold and will push you hard. Not just musically but also lyrically. I get the impression these lads are real risk takers with their music. Despite this they manage to somehow stay within the fairway of marketability but definitely push boundaries. These are compliments by the way. The musicianship follows down the same path offering up much in the way of a 3 piece rock band. Built on frenzious, harmonic notes that are plucked from the heavens, and as a passionate, yet somewhat provocative narrative unfold. Telling ordinary tales of extraordinary things, Wooden Hez connects us to the universal power and emotional rawness of love, loss, favor and fury. The result is potent and mesmerizing. Heavy. Beautiful. Playing live, Wooden Hez unleashes its cosmic fury and induces the same in their audience. From beginning to end this CD keeps the same party mood while maintaining a mysterious funked-out feel. As for Pitone vocally he delivers emotionally invigorating performance that will remind you of a modern day Michael Stipe, David Bowie or even Tom Waits. His high pitch, vocals blends with the great guitar riffs and musical ambience well. Criticism: 5 Songs is a bit short even for a live CD. I recommend at-least 10 more tracks. There is a second disk that comes with the package full of 9 videos (live, outtakes, demos and promo stuff). In conclusion, this is one media package that will bring back memories of a not so distant age where good rock music rocked the airwaves and possessed a more organic and simplistic feel. All the while inspiring people with amazing artistic energy to get people thinking, singing, dancing and even helped them forget their troubles. To me Wooden Hez is like a drug. It’s hard, it’s heavy, it’s rock and roll, re-imagined and reinvigorated. It’s Wooden Hez Jupiter.
URL: http://www.woodenhez.com/
Final Score: 6/10 Stars
LAST FM: http://www.last.fm/music/Love+Jupiter
by Erica Carr, edited by J.J. McCall
Review comments: johnmccall964@gmail.com
