The Wichitas - Splinter (Heart Stripe Records)

If the five songs that make up The Wichitas’ eponymous EP reveal a band that clearly understands that rock music can be full of melody as well as muscle, groove as well as grungy, garage vibes, then “Splinter” is perhaps the first sonic port of call for those who just want to get a quick taste of the band.

In its sonic embrace, the discerning rock fan will find lots to love – abrasive guitar riffs, propulsive drums, driving depth-charge basslines, and a vocal that has the perfect blend of power and poise. But you will also find a band that understands that volume and velocity do not a killer song make. They know that whilst that can be the backbone of a great song, you also need shape and dynamic, that ability to pull things back from the brink far enough to build real sonic momentum to be able to make the sonic crescendoes everything they should be.

“Splinter” is raw and raucous, but not so much that it is directionless as it makes its way through the musical landscape. No, this is a song that understands that it is only by weaving a clear path through the sonic lowlands and scaling the musical highs with deliberation and forethought that you create energy and atmosphere, dynamic and drive, intrigue and interest. To this end, “Splinter” is a song that reveals and rewards the listener as it moves towards its final destination.

Or, put another way, they understand that, to misquote Suzanne Vega, you should never “give away the goods too soon.” This is the sound of a band taking us along for the ride but never revealing all their sonic tricks too early on.

Plus, any band that reminds me of The Datsuns will always be a band that I warm to pretty quickly.

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