SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE WYTCHES – OUR GUEST CAN’T BE NAMED

THE WYTCHES
OUR GUEST CAN’T BE NAMED
ALCOPOP! RECORDS

The Wytches formed in 2011 and they released their debut album, Annabel Dream Reader in 2014. Our Guest Can’t Be Named is their fourth studio album, and their first since 2020’s Three Mile Ditch. Our Guest Can’t Be Named is also their first album for Alopop! Records, with whom they recently signed. This album is not for the faint of heart. The Wytches turn the volume up to 11 throughout much of the album, and it really has a loud, rocking sound. This is a band who has found their niche and they are going to explore every corner of the hard rock genre. And they do it extremely well. This is an exciting, and energetic rock album.

They do tone things down for songs such as “Sloped Old Tower” (which still features grinding guitars and a hard edge), “Unsure” and “Bats” (which borrows a bit from Joy Division), but from the opening track, “Zep Step” until the end, hard rock is the name of the game. Kristian Bell’s vocals are perfectly suited for the songs and he does bring that sense of urgency to the songs. And even in songs, such as “Unsure”, his voice is emotive and fits perfectly with the mood of the song.

In some ways TheWytches remind me of The Cult circa Electric and Sonic Temple. They write melodic and beautifully arranged songs. Newcomer to the band, drummer Demelza Mather, provides a solid beat throughout the album and along with bassist Daniel Rumsey makes a great rhythm section. Mark Breed plays excellent guitar and keyboards.

The Wytches should make a name for themselves with this album. Hard rock fans should enjoy Our Guest Can’t Be Named and it is the perfect soundtrack to autumn evenings and long winter nights. It gives the listener exactly what they expect from this hard rocking band. They are a tight unit and have come up with some very interesting songs that are played in their own distinct rocking style.

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