What is more difficult to believe? That Wino is releasing his first solo album in his music career or that his music career is as long and solid as it has been? A pillar of consistency with stints in the Obsessed, St. Vitus, Spirit Caravan, The Hidden Hand, and the coming soon Shrinebuilder (along with members of Neurosis, The Melvins, Sleep, and Om), Eric "Wino" Weinrich is responsible for a large share of guitar emulators and leaving a wake of excellent songs as he pursues the ultimate riff. For Punctuated Equilibrium, he gathers drummer Jean Paul Gaster of Clutch and (the now deceased) Jon Blank on bass to aid him in realizing his musical vision on his terms and regardless of the music, my respect for his ability and motives grow with each release.
As with any project with Wino, riffs galore blast from the stereo speakers and right from the get go, the opening riff of "Release Me" is a whopper guitar line; the rhythm section is completely pristine in their execution of this track, which puts to shame many "classic" rock songs on those radio stations today. "Smilin' Road" is another recipient of a great riff, and the groove that exudes through the whole track is so good; the vocal melody is one of the best that immediately comes to mind that a listener can hear throughout Wino's work, and the hook is simply the icing on the cake. The bass sound evident in "Secret Realm Devotion" is just such a classic tone (reminds me immediately of Black Sabbath's "Planet Caravan"), and the combined crunch that listeners can hear in "Silver Lining" might make people jealous of the overall tone that Wino and the band produce.
Punctuated Equilibrium is more solid music from a pillar of consistency in the metal music scene and a welcome addition to the already impressive discography which Wino continues to amass in his musical pursuit. I think Wino says it best, "One of the main things I have learned is how I understand 'success'. To me, it's not all riches and glory so much as the impact on others' lives. My main philosophy that guides me is that I was given a gift, a musical gift which I use to bring happiness to others." If you know who Wino is, you need this album, If you do not know who this man is, besides the obvious question (what rock have you been living under?), jump on Punctuated Equilibrium now.
