Soulful Jamming Blues Rock
Full of juicy riffs, languid blues rhythms and raucous roars, 'Hunting Whales' is the kind of sound Jimi Hendrix would have produced on his lazy day. A million shades of vibrant blues colour this full on rock sensation; just sit back and enjoy!
The record opens to the string-bending wails of 'Mercedes Children' a soulful, aching guitar-led instrumental, which sets the tone when the raging vocals kick on the second track, 'Take Me There'. Singer Ed's contribution is a furious constant outburst which leads into a more mellow chorus with country vocal harmonies blazing out.
There's more classic rock goodness in the form of the jerky but gripping, 'Tired From Sleeping', which will slowly creep up on you until you're rocking out to its tuneful beats and the careening, 'Honest Man' will clear any cobwebs from your head with its sharp vocals and chugging guitars.
'Terribly Easy' is a luscious shuffling delight with female vocal harmonies and an irrepressible rhythmic pulse, while, 'See Me Peter' will seduce with its deep, buzzing bassline and squealing solos. For slow-burning action try closer, 'Memory Walking', which is just as lazy and trippy as its name may suggest, but with added meandering guitars.
If you're looking for howling blues-based rock then The Checks are your band, even Michael Stipe became a fan after hearing a demo, these New Zealanders can certainly rock with fabulous throbbing guitar solos. 'Hunting Whales' is a wonderful album to revv up any slow night and filled with soulful jams.