Wheel
Moving Backwards

The thing about a wheel is that it spins around and it keeps returning to its starting position, you could claim that it is moving backwards – like the title of this debut album by the band called Wheel. A Finnish band to a majority with the frontman being moved in from England to pursue his musical ambitions, and they have so far gotten some positive feedback for what they have released before this first album. It is an album that they claimed to be the album they wanted to hear while waiting for the next Tool album. They also mention bands like Karnivool and Alice in Chains in the press material, stating that it is an album that isn’t too easy to define.

Of course you can always compare them with a band like Tool, they sound quite like that band. Of course that means a bit progressive, somewhere between rock and metal, harshish vocals with a touch of grunge. Pretty modern I guess. With good production and good vocals, the seven tracks also show good variation and depth. In a way you can say that they don’t quite fit any of the labels, besides perhaps the Tool label – they sound a lot like those guys but they don’t really hide that fact as I have already alluded to. Some might claim a bit too much like said band though, but fans of that band might find this album being a good addition to their toolbox.

Overall I think that this is a good album, the songs are quite enjoyable and of good quality. I think that fans of Tool will find this album quite appealing, and I also think that it is without any major flaws so there is a lot to like about it. But, you can also argue that it lacks ideas, that it is music copied from others like the wheel moving backwards, like they aren’t really creating anything of their own. The album could also do with a stronger hit song, something that really draws you into the album. But then, a wheel usually moves and that could mean that they address these little niggles to an upcoming album but until then it can always be enjoyable to listen to this one for a while.

Likeable stuff, fans of Tool and their likes should have a closer look at this album, as chances are good that they will like it. I know I kind of like it and it might go down well with many fans of music. The problem just is, how do they think they will be noticed, or stand out from the masses? Perhaps with the right diligence and heavy promotion but chances are that lack of novelty will mean that they will not make much of an impact on the world of music.

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