Wilderness

iTunes Review

These Sparta, Tennessee rockers have kept a firm grip on rock ‘n’ roll dynamics since the mid ‘90s. Frontman Matthew Pelham isn’t afraid to lead the band with a cocky and theatric vocal attack that gives tracks like “Content,” “Another One” and the climate-change warning “Big Mama Gonna Whip Us Good” a purebred intensity. “Rambo” sounds like Pelham reaching for Led Zep’s Robert Plant’s authority while the band turns in an organ-led psychedelic pop gem. For a taste of moonlight, the group slow down in tribute to “Fats Domino.” “Offer Up” turns twitchy, the drums performing rolling thunder as Pelham croons his way to the light. “Chapter III” throws together a pumping groove that swoons beautifully into a sweet, angelic break. The band is quite a heady mix of influences. One can hear elements of stripped-down new wave tucked inside their massive arrangements. They don’t do small things. “Kids” is compact at two and a half minutes, but it expands until it sounds like a giant.