Keep your Hands off her is the first track on the new self-titled release by Willy and the Planks. This is a powerful blues-rock track that takes up hints of soul and funk. Fans of the style from the 1960s and 1970s will hear newer hints here, as there is a subtle nod to performers like Chris Cornell and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
The Dark Side of Me calls back to the guitar work of performers like Jimi Hendrix and the psychedelic rock of The Doors. Sizzling guitar work, ropy bass lines, and splashy drums unite to make for a track that will stick with listeners long after the last note ceases. You got me Cryin’ is another richly emotive track that tells as much with its instrumentation as it does with the sultry, impassioned vocals. The back and forth between these two elements is a trend that continues along with Lonely Town, Lonely Street.
I Feel Good, Little girl is a track that touches upon a wide swath of artists from as far back as Ray Charles to Stevie Ray Vaughan; the more free-form sound of the bass, guitars, and drums has a fun style to it that is reminiscent of modern jazz.
See that my grave is kept clean is the final statement on this release, and it ties together all the different styles and approaches that Willy and the Plarks showcased previously. Furthermore, it is an integral track for fans to understand where the act may go on follow up recordings. Simply a must-listen, Willy and the Planks’ self-titled release hits hard from the first note to the last.
Top Tracks: Keep your Hands off her, See that my grave is kept clean
Rating: 8.5/10
Willy and the Planks – S/T Album Review / 2017 Self Released / 7 Tracks / http://www.willyandtheplanks.com/ / https://www.facebook.com/willyandtheplanks/