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CD Review
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Sing Out!, CD Review >>
Where music and life mingle, authentic emotions have the opportunity to emerge. This is the case of hillbilly outfit The Wilders. Based on a Missouri Jury that string player Phil Wade sat on in 2006, the story behind their latest album is centered on a man that murdered his recently divorced wife--out of love, of course. Attachments breed horrible instances, yet the transformation of such terror into something creative is the continued legacy of human species. Hence this collection of fiddle-driven jams and beautifully textures accordion-filled ballads. The four-piece band devised a philosophy early: play so hard that everyone has to take notice. This live show ethic paid off, yet on this particular album they evolve their own style by picking up the occasional electric bass and even including drums (though often using what they term a "phantom drummer"). Red Stick Ramblers rhythmist Glenn Fields appears when a "real" drummer is called for, though for the most part The Wilders have little need of the instrument. As evidenced during performance, they allow their thriving fiddles, guitars, mandolins and banjos to create a foot-stomping serenade. And within that seemingly simple array of instruments they are able to craft a diverse range of shades and emotions. One moment you're in the midst of an epic and gory guitar-driven blues number, before falling into a soft piano with simple strums and lyrics. That all four members contribute vocals helps to keep each song fresh, and their constant segues between short songs are brilliant. While they may be confined to one story, that tale is no imprisonment at all. Jealousy, betrayal and a love that will cause a man to murder-- these are timeless human emotions, and The Wilders tell the story in all its tragic and heartfelt glory.
--DB 04/01/08
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