Album Review: The Wands – The Dawn
3 min read
Danish duo Christian Skibdal and Mads Gräs, known as The Wands, are keeping psychedelic music real with their unique take on the genre; a niche that has a never ending fuse and is still enjoyed by today’s generation. The 60’s is still an era of inspiration for today’s songwriters. For The Wands to delve deep into that aura helps keep that milestone relevant and alive with their alternative take on that sound. Their debut album The Dawn should take us on a journey not only back in time, but a road almost less travelled by the modern singer/songwriter.
Sound Of The Machine kicks off the album with a sweet obscurity: the guitars are edgy and Skibdal’s vocal can be naturally twisted just right to carry the melody wondrously. It’s an intriguing start with an ending that could have been from a dream. An alternative/indie rock sound was gone for with And Full Of Colours. It’s a little short and repetitive until its explosive finale. Totem Part II is a slightly slower number; its guitars are more earthier and the vocals retain the same quality. Lead single She’s Electric is definitely something you would hear blaring out from independent radio stations, or from the speakers at a crowded outdoor festival: it’s something you can bop your head to. There’s more time to chill when giving Get It Out Of Your System (Don’t You Wanna Feel Alright) a listen: the verses are laid back and make way for a lifting chorus.
The sound of War sparks your intrigue and interest: there’s a bit going on in this number, with the synths and guitars trying to take the lead, but the pair easily pull this off with their gripping knack for this vibe. Title track The Dawn has a fuller arrangement and a warm ambience about it: it’s the perfect track to play whilst warming up in front of the fire. It makes you want to get comfortable. A shaky but confident beat leads us into the guitar savvy Circles, another track you can’t help but listen to from end to finish: the duo’s sound has proved to often be mesmerising. Spell My Name is dreamy: its airy arrangement opens your mind a little and allows you to take a breather. Final track The Name Of The Mountain is the longest number on the album, but not in vain: once again you find yourself following the duo’s every move from start to finish.
While The Dawn isn’t the most sparkly album out there it sure has its perks. The Wands prove they have a knack for the psychedelic rock genre, and the evidence is this finished product. The pair are around not only to keep the Danish in touch with the sound of the 60’s, but to remind the world that its sound is still relevant today; the edgy guitars, the whacked out synths and the occasional dreamscape are plastered all throughout this album, and those elements are what give it life. The Wands have really got it going on. The Dawn is a must have for their fans and lovers of the psychedelic genre.
