Bold Statements From White Reaper
It doesn’t get much more ballsy than to name your own album, The World’s Best American Band, but White Reaper have certainly swung for the fences on this one. That is some statement to live up to, but White Reaper certainly has no joking manner to the title. Their first full-length record, White Reaper Does It Again, was a fun garage punk album with catchy hooks and riffs. This Louisville band has only improved with their most recent release that is being released by the reputable Polyvinyl Record.
White Reaper, first and foremost, should be called the world’s best garage punk band with lo-fi aesthetic, but for The World’s Best American Band, White Reaper has kept this tone while adding a classic rock and roll aspect in the production. The title track, “The World’s Best American Band,” has overwhelmingly catchy guitar riffs, specifically after the bass guitar riff during the vocals. This song will have you tapping your foot and nodding your head to the chorus, with its vocal track. The song certainly has a Car Seat Headrest feel in the riff, but a classic rock production aspect that astounds further when the song changes keys during the end. “The World’s Best American Band” is the most accessible song on the album and was the right choice for a single. It is a track that you know sounds exactly like it would if being performed live, which is an authentic feature to have.
“Judy French” continues the album on an enjoyable track. This song, along with others on this record, has an ‘80s glam rock vibe, without the tackiness. Tony Esposito’s vocals shriek over toxic guitar work that culminates in one of the best guitar solo’s thus far of 2017. The highlight of this record lies within “Daisies” which starts with a riff that resembles The Strokes, but as the song adds the keyboard aspect it takes off into a blistering chorus that is pure indie-rock bliss. While most of the songs on this record are highlighted by the lead guitar, every instrument in “Daisies” is mixed perfectly and adds a unique aspect.
The World’s Best American Band is an enjoyable rock and roll record. The biggest complain one would have is the repetition. These songs are all eerily similar and by the time “The Stack” begins, all of the songs start to blend together in a smoothie of similarity. The guitar riffs are impressive, but they might not be enough to keep all listeners attentive during the entirety of the 20 plus minute record. Songs such as “Little Silver Cross” and “Eagle Beach” slow down the pace of the album, especially following the two very successful singles, which cuts the overall hard roll stride of the album. However, It is tough to deny that The World’s Best American Band shows White Reaper at their catchiest. They use classic rock influences with a dash of ‘80s to make a fun garage rock and in-your-face album. It shows the group’s true potential for the future even in its flaws. Are they the world’s best american band? Maybe not, but they are putting out quality projects for rock fans so let’s allow them to believe so.
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