I was delighted to hear the development of Wille & The Bandits since they expanded to a 5 piece band. Only William Edwards is left from the original 3 piece, with newcomers Harry Mackaill - Bass and Backing Vocals, Stevie Watts - Hammond Organ, Clavinet and Pianos, Joe Harris - Drums, Percussion and backing Vocals & Josiah Manning - Additional guitars and backing Vocals making up the rest of the band. William playing Lead vocals, Dobro, Lap Steel, Electric and Acoustic Guitars.
A lot of the elements that made the original lineup so electrifying are still there: the power of Willie’s vocals, the intense musicality, the way that they play as a band rather than five individuals, the superb songwriting. The album was recorded ‘Live in the room’ so the musicians integration is on display – warts and all (albeit, very few warts).
There is a profound intensity to the album – as well as some beauty – and the music displays its heart in the far Southwest of Britain with tracks such as ‘Weal Jane’ talking about the plight of Cornish tin miners (the video was - I believe – filmed in a Mine Cavern).
William is a keen surfboarder and paddleboarder and ‘Trouble Round The Bend’ displays all the bands power as they bemoan the dumping of human waste as sewage into the coastal seas around Britain.
One of the bands greatest strengths is their variety of styles – not only are they enormously powerful, but on a track such as ‘Style Thing’ they demonstrate a remarkable ability to swith on some dense and seriously danceable funk.
My favourite track is 'Sail Away (The Mayflower)', a soft and sweet telling of the Pilgrims leaving Britain for the Americas.
They also display real beauty and a subtle jazzy element on ‘Reina Del Mar’
William’s voice has always been passionate as well as powerful and all through the album both attributes are in evident supply. ‘Take My Shoulder’ is a lovely number that manages to show both sides of his vocal, as well as gentleness.
I suspect that I will still be listening to this album when the end of year lists come around. It is one of the best things I’ve heard this year – among a few absolute crackers.
