Bagel, Contributor

The latest offering from Howlin Rain is an album that every musician has always wanted the time and resources to make. After over two years of writing and arranging accompanied by legendary producer Rick Rubin, the band has completed their magnum opus. It is something of a flashback to the sounds we grew up with, but modernized with shredding guitar riffs, gospel vocal accompaniment and unbelievable instrumental variety and arrangement.

“The Russian Wilds” is a pure delight.

The record is full of brutally honest, passionate music as if a time machine brought back these tunes from 1972, when life was much simpler. There are so many layers to the tracks; I hear something new on every listen. All the songs have a mighty weight which demands attention, while balancing intricate respites that lull you into softness only to be punched in the mouth with some rolling thunder.

Lead vocalist Ethan Miller has come a long way in his vocal abilities. While fronting Comets on Fire, his lyrics were nearly unintelligible, distorted by effects and noise, but “The Russian Wilds” proves the man can screech and wail with passion. The lyrics are beautifully contemplative and wonderfully obscure, so after repeated listens I find myself trying to figure out the meaning of some wild tangent or obscure metaphor like, “my soul like the ashes of crickets falling to their knees” on standout track “Phantom in the Valley.” Lilting vocals give way to pounding rhythms that build into anthems that have you singing on the first listen.

It gives me a good feeling knowing that musicians came together and created “The Russian Wilds,” it seems like the most fun you could have. I can’t stop listening to this album and didn’t realize rock records of this magnitude were still produced.

Rating: 11 out of 12 cans of PBR!!!

See Howlin Rain live:
Tuesday, February 21st HumBrews 856 10th Street Arcata, CA 95521
9:00 PM Tickets are $12 in Advance, $15 at the Door