The Daily Gamecock

Bizarre, heavy rock noise, brought to you by Wand's "Golem"

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Wand’s second album, "Golem," takes listeners on an intergalactic journey with their outlandish use of guitars and electronic sound. The album appeals to hard rockers, punk rockers and alternative lovers alike.

"Golem" offers a blend of head-banging, garage band classics paired with metal and psychedelic rock. Its first track, “The Unexplored Map,” is a guitar-driven set with rhythmic vocals. Changing quickly to an almost calming lullaby, the album's standout track, “Melted Rope,” is a traditional sounding track with a melodic core. It’s the most calming of all the songs and has a Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd feel. The rest of the album is unapologetically heavy, dark and twisted. “Self Hypnosis in 3 Days” gives off a trippy, psychedelic vibe while having an aura similar to “Kids in America” by Kim Wilde. The lyrics “I want to know which world is yours and which is mine” capture the psychedelic journey "Golem" takes you on.

Because “Cave In” and “Flesh Tour” are more instrument-heavy with guitar distortions and instruments, you can barely hear the lyrics. The face of punk rock, “Floating Head,” holds the place of a true, head-banging rock song with its use of intense guitar solos. “Planet Golem” and “Reaper Invert” are two ideal examples of Wand’s garage band sound, extreme guitar use, heavy beats and repetitions. The album mixes it up and finishes with “The Drift," partaking in an easier, more calming sound while still being the trippiest track of them all.

The flow of the album is irregular and unexpected. In addition, the mood is slightly bipolar because it transforms from calm to erratic from one song to another. The further you get into the album, the more otherworldly it sounds. The lyrics are often confusing and barely audible under the extreme guitar use, but that’s almost the point of Wand’s aesthetic. Wand stays true to their original sound while still adding unexpected, erratic instrument solos and hallucinogenic lyrics.

This truly unique band opens listeners up to a new sound and takes you on a musical trip that still lands you on your feet. Wand uses dark and heavy power arrangement of hypnotic rhythms to explore a new world, and "Golem" really makes you wonder what is going on in their minds. If you’re looking for some bizarre, heavy rock noise, Wand has got you covered.


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