DEWOLFF – Muscle Shoals

Just by listening to this joyous and uplifting record I could have sworn that these gentlemen originate from the Deep South of the US, but the fact is that Dewolff hail from the Netherlands. Nevertheless, such is the authenticity and conviction with which these chaps churn out their passionate tunes, and once you have started spinning this disc it makes perfect sense in so many ways that the title of the LP should reference the town of Muscle Shoals in Alabama and its rich musical legacy.

With their bouncy riffs, ever-present groove, and Southern vibes, this trio have stumbled on and perfected their very own musical formula that pays homage to past greats but which primarily looks to the future. By blending Americana, blues, country rock, and prominent traces of psychedelic rock to stunning effect, this thirteen-track offering comes across as a varied and well-written work that is brimming with style, flair, energy, and dynamics. Hook-laden and cohesive and delightfully upbeat without completely forgetting a subtle sense of melancholy, the album simply represents an inviting and deeply atmospheric journey through a heartfelt sonic landscape that oozes class and gorgeous melodicism.

I could easily see fans of Bad Company, Dirty Honey, Rival Sons, and the Black Crowes losing their minds over this warm and moving slice of catchy Kentucky-fried rock performed by such a tight unit, but more than anything, Dewolff sound like themselves and you can tell that they had a ball recording this gem. Highlights include “Let’s stay Together,” “Ophelia,” “Hard to Make a Buck,” and the haunting “Ships in the Night.” Allow me to also point out that the use of Mellotron and piano is marvelous and that there is an inherent funkiness to the material in addition to a charming emotiveness. Brilliant stuff!