THE SEWER RATS present their new album “Wild at Heart“ to the eager community of Rock 'n' Roll. The band from Cologne has made a name for itself in recent years as a good and charismatic live act. They have already played in most Rock 'n' Roll clubs, and more will follow, of that I am convinced.
We are, of course, not talking about the Rock 'n' Roll that is played once a year by a bad band at the community center, but about the sound that has its roots in the old Rock 'n' Roll while bringing the energy of newer times.
Having started as a Rock 'n' Roll-Punkabilly band, THE SEWER RATS have increasingly opened up to other styles. This is evident on this album. However, the classic lineup of double bass, guitar, and drums has not changed. This is a point that speaks highly of the band when listening to the record. If one didn't know, one might forget that.
The title of the album first makes me think of my favorite club in Berlin, then of the movie, and then of the evenings when the three Cologne natives brought Wild at Heart in Berlin to life. The title is sure to attract a lot of people.
What does the band have to offer on “Wild at Heart“?
Guests! Specifically, Sarah Blackwood from The Creepshow. For two songs, the bundle of energy from Canada has taken over the backing vocals.
Finding the right opening words for the sound is very difficult for me. This already shows that the album is not easy to grasp.
The reason for this can primarily be attributed to the very professional, and unfortunately somewhat slick production. Another point is the variety that the trio from Cologne offers on this record, which was not diminished by the production; it probably even benefited from the good production. Each song is a hit on its own. They are perfectly arranged songs that harmonize well with the production. Most fans of the band will enjoy the songs. However, there are always excursions into new territories, such as the title track “Wild at Heart“ or the very '77 punk-heavy “Highschool Loser“. There are tongues that claim “Highschool Loser“ would be the soundtrack for the next film that pays homage to the greaser culture, Cadillacs, and drive-in theaters. That could very well be. It is damn cool.
Then comes “Hit the Road“, a song that leans heavily into folk punk. Unusual for the band, but again, the song is cool and it rocks.
The fact that one or two songs sound a bit poppy I attribute to the production, hoping that the band does not want to jump on a commercial bandwagon with “Wild at Heart“.
The 12 songs on the album are bursting with variety and catchiness, showing even the last doubter that the band is much more than just another wannabe band. The songs are cool and fun! That's what matters.
.THE SEWER RATS have delivered a good, but controversial work for purists with “Wild at Heart“.
