Scott Metzger Archive

WOLF! – 1-800-WOLF! – Royal Potato Family

by Audiophile Audition | Feb 6, 2017 | Pop/Rock/World CD Reviews

Canis lupus rockus. WOLF! – 1-800-WOLF! [TrackList follows] – Royal Potato Family 020286222316, 35:14 [10/14/16] *****: (Scott Metzger – guitar; Taylor Floreth – drums, percussion; Jon Shaw – bass, keys) The wolf is a potent symbol. It’s no wonder the wolf has been used as a musical name by blues shouter Howlin’ Wolf; hard rockers Wolfmother; indie popsters Wolfie; and famed radio DJ Wolfman Jack. There’s something primal, forceful and compelling about the connotations of the wolf (or canis lupus). The latest to use the wolf in their name is Brooklyn instrumental rock trio, WOLF! [they prefer all caps and the exclamation point]. Guitarist Scott Metzger, bassist Jon Shaw and drummer Taylor Floreth bring back the glory of ‘60s instrumental garage-rock, akin to Davie Allan and the Arrows, Link Wray or a retrofied Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet. WOLF! is a threesome which maintains a lean design, are to the point and are on target on their sophomore album, 1-800-WOLF! You won’t find screaming solos, over-amped power chords or other over-the-top audio shearing. This brief CD—13 originals penned by the trio, all snugly fitting within 35 minutes—sustains a spare sound which emphasizes texture, melody and simplicity. Much of the […]