Noisettes - What's The Time Mr Wolf? Album Review

Noisettes
What's The Time Mr Wolf?
Album Review

I believe it's partway through track two of What's The Time Mr Wolf? when the true philosophy of The Noisettes is uncovered. "Scratch your name into the fabric of this world." screeches Shingai Shoniwa, a declaration of uniqueness and individuality that runs through every track and is a huge part of this band's lifeblood.

2005's Three Moods of the Noisettes was a rather undercooked affair that failed to transfer to record the visceral power of their gigs, this album, however, mostly succeeds in capturing that raw essence that makes them such a compelling band, and as such is a great record.Granted, there are a couple of ropey moments, like the overlong "Bridge to Canada" but with such a throw-caution-to-the-wind philosophy, there are bound to be some missteps.

Luckily, these are minimal, and while there is an abundance of the same guttural rock 'n' soul that they're known for ("IWE", "Scratch Your Name"), this record displays many different sides to their formidable oeuvre. "The Count of Monte Christo" is a bewitching folksy strum that sits perfectly serenely next to the bluesy "Cannot Even (Break Free)", they both show that Shoniwa can really sing as well as scream, and suggest that this is a band with an extremely promising future.For now though, What's The Time Mr Wolf? Will serve as a big ass-kicking call to all those who don't belong, to be proud and scratch their names into the fabric of the world.