Wot Gorilla? are back with their debut full length ‘Kebnekaise,’ a very commendable release that twists the usual sounds of progressive rock and makes it something of its own. The technicality from start to finish in this record is astounding with each band member mastering their instrument to a tee, contributing individually to create a very fresh and distinct sound for their niche genre.

Opening instrumental ‘I beat up the bathroom. I’m sorry’ distinctly welcomes Wot Gorilla?’s sound, a very quirky and upbeat interpretation of progressive rock and math pop. This is continued throughout the whole record and albeit occasionally repetitive, ‘Kebnekaise’ is far too catchy for that to be criticised.

‘Melted Welly’ introduces vocals from Mat Haigh whose soft sounds perfectly match the overall vibe of the record; any harsher sung vocals would sound out of place. This can be said for all except finale track ‘Snow White’ that welcomes distorted screams at the end. This wasn’t to be expected at all but I have to say that it worked surprisingly well; so well in fact that it would have been nice to hear similar throughout the record.      

Short intro ‘SB’ flows directly into ‘Suspects,’ a track that is full to the brim with peculiar time signatures, a key element in Wot Gorilla?’s style. This is one of the reasons why the quartet sounds so distinct: you don’t know what to expect to happen at any point throughout the album on first listen, keeping you on your toes and hooking you from start to finish.

‘Hold Me Back’ initially slows ‘Kebnekaise’ down proving Wot Gorilla?’s innovative ability to explore all areas of their genre. This track is signature to the record, shifting from a slow rhythmic first half and progressing back to the Wot Gorilla? that has been so distinct previously throughout the record    

I’ve been taken aback by the sound that these 11 tracks create: a combination of math, progressive rock and pop bundled together to produce an overwhelmingly infectious mash-up. If you haven’t given these boys a chance yet then do so and check out ‘Kebnekaise;’ like me you’ll question why you haven’t done sooner. 

4/5

‘Kebnekaise’ by Wot Gorilla? is released on August 27th.

Wot Gorilla? links: Website|Facebook|Bandcamp

Words by Hannah Gillicker (@HannahGillicker)