Howling for You

• Artist: Dewolff
• Title: Tascam Tapes
• Released: 2020
• Format: Digital Download (FLAC)
• Genre: Psychedelic Blues/Funk
• Beverage of Choice: Heineken

Brothers Pablo and Luka van de Poel and friend Robin Piso have been prolific purveyors of their own special brand of not-quite-blues over the past 14 years. DeWolff shimmy and slide across the edge of dance, rock and blues with effortless conviction. Nothing sounds forced or unnatural, even when they’re throwing back to the summer days of ’78 (“It Ain’t Easy“) or laying down post-blues funk (“Nothing’s Changing“); this set of somewhat short songs provides a glimpse of what life on the road would be like with these guys – fun, frenetic and funky.

“Love is Such a Waste” clocks in as the longest track at 3:30 and hints at more than one Black Keys’ listening session but maintains the groove that DeWolff has established as their own. “Life in a Fish Tank” sets up another sliding dance beat but adds harmonica and Hammond to great effect. All ’round fun!

Like the songs, this review is short but, hopefully, sweet. Turn it up, loosen up and enjoy!

05/16/2021 Update

DeWolff recently released the album ‘Wolffpack‘ that is a total joy to listen to. I purchased the new offering on vinyl and have listened to it repeatedly over the past three weeks or so. Similar to, but different from, their previous albums in various respects: bluesy and funky at the same time with heavy undertones that, to my ears, take the essence of Deep Purple to a modern audience.

“Sweet Loretta” has the vibiest Hammond swing since “Lazy”, “R U My Savior” rocks like a Creedence anthem (with honest-to-goodness horn section) and “Do Me” has a Black Keys feel while staying quite firmly in DeWolff land with laid-back vocals and sweet Hammond accompaniment.

Get it on vinyl, support rock music!