Following on from two EPs Wheel return with their first album release. Fronted by James Lascelles, a fellow Brit who relocated to Finland to start Wheel, the band have been gaining some notoriety of late for their style.
Wheel’s music feels like a throwback to my teens (late 2000s) with its progressive rock, gritty guitar tones and all black wardrobe. It’s not trying to push the boundaries of progressive rock but more sit stably and remind you it never went anywhere.
Each song feels like its own cinematic world as it engulfs you into their broody world. Tracks like Tyrant reach near 9 minutes but don’t seem to have that dragging feeling – the momentum keeps listeners gripped from the eerie Skeletons to the complex and latest single Where The Pieces Lie, which showcases the more aggressive and jarring side of the band, especially vocals from James, who compared to their EPs comes across more rough. It’s a rather professional and mature release for such a new band.
They don’t hide when it comes to confronting world issues as the album covers the refugee crisis early on single ‘Please’ and portrays the band as ones who aren’t afraid to speak out. The only downside is it stinks of Tool-esque riffs and vocal vibes but whilst we wait for an album that may never come from Tool, Wheel fill that nagging void with their own pleasing twist.
Multiple listens unravel multiple layers within tracks – the band invite you to enjoy the heart they’ve put into it and listen endearingly.
Moving Backwards is out now!
Catch them on tour supporting Soen throughout March and April.
7/10
