WINO – Adrift
- Posted on 20-03-2011
An alternative to the alternative here – Wino spins the solo album concept on its ears and records an exclusively acoustic singer/songwriter effort. To those new to his legacy, he’s well known in the doom/ stoner rock scene between bands such as Saint Vitus, The Obsessed and Spirit Caravan. On "Adrift", Wino reaches for inspiration as far as Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash for songs like the bluesy “I Don’t Care”, “Old And Alone” and “Whatever” to name three of the twelve tracks for offer. You’ll also get the chance to hear a primitive cover of “Iron Horse/ Born To Lose”, originally done with distortion by the old master of rock n roll Motörhead.
Many who sail alone within these types of waters feel naked, cold or scared – I sense none of this with continual exposure. Wino’s voice has that old school charm, you really can sink your teeth into lines like these from “Hold On Love”: ‘the priest he took my faith away/ the cop he took my law/ woman took my child today/ set me up for a fall’ – emphasizing an accurate emotion laden story of the push and pull struggle for a respectable relationship. Love the Santana-like strumming through “Mala Suerte” that plays against Wino’s conventional 70’s influences and the closing “Green Speed” which features more of a motorcycle highway atmosphere sonically.
Basing this solely on music, Wino has delivered a strong album. Be aware, it’s as far away from doom metal or stoner rock as you can get, but I think there’s plenty of gems to unearth here.