Album Reviews
“The World’s Best American Band” is what the dudes in White Reaper called their new album. Apparently it is also the band’s credo. Ballsy? Sure. But why not? Because hey, if you don’t even believe that you’re the best, how are you going to convince others?
In order to become the world’s American band though, they had to change some things compared to their debut. Their first full-length record, “White Reaper Does It Again,” was a decent enough garage punk album with the kind of hooks and riffs you’d expect to hear on a decent enough garage punk album. But for their Polyvinyl Records debut, the Louisville band upped their game.
They looked towards the bands that came before them (Thin Lizzy, KISS, Cheap Trick, …) and made everything catchier, bigger and slicker. Plus they added badass solos and well-timed howls. They threw everything at these songs except for the kitchen sink. And cowbell.
It makes for a fun album. The opening combo of the title track and “Judy French” are the kind of songs that will have you nodding your head and tapping your feet in unison while “Crystal Pistol” and “Daisies” are nothing but pure sweetness that could have just as easily been heard on the radio 30+ years ago. Now, if they add some more variety next time around, then they might just have a real shot at the title. For now, “The World’s Best American Band” is a solid album that demands to be played loud with the windows rolled down.
Track listing:
- The World's Best American Band
- Judy French
- Eagle Beach
- Little Silver Cross
- The Stack
- Party Next Door
- Crystal Pistol
- Tell Me
- Daisies
- Another Day
Lacking the talent to actually play in a band, Tom decided he would write about bands instead. Turns out his writing skills are mediocre at best as well.
