Ever hear of the term “outsider” music? I have certainly seen the term thrown around when referring to different albums or artists and never quite understood how or why that particular artist or record was graced with such a vague descriptor when attempting to relate the music to someone or an audience of some sort. Well, if ever there was a perfect subject for this “outsider” descriptor than WRNLRD is just that, outsider music; and I say this because not only does the work of this outfit defy conventional labels (yes, there is a bit black metal here and there, and sure, there is a lot of fuzzed out noise going on as well in the music), but the method and drive behind the music most definitely is suited to this term.
Take the latest EP from WRNLRD for illustration’s sake; Death Drive is an exercise in the strange and bizarre and that is even more evident if you have read or listened to any of the interviews that the principle songwriter of WRNLRD has given in regards to the record, and the fact that the subject matter (seriously go find the video interview where he discusses the impetus, inspiration, and method behind this record) is so different that listening to the EP becomes even more of an intriguing proposition. I took the plunge for a variety of reasons (mostly because of the previous work of the outfit and how drawn to their mysterious nature that I am) and was handsomely rewarded with one of the more challenging records that I have heard in a while.
I am not certain if “Moonlight Ride” is purposefully the centerpiece of Death Drive, but, when listening to the EP, the song definitely feels as though it is the peak of the five tracks both in running order and in the emotional climax that it seems to serve as. From the outset of the song, it demands immediate attention with the potent voice in the beginning (saying “…and exterminate you from the earth”) just prior to the music kicking in with a powerful entrance; and this barely scratches the surface of this entrancing musical work as the vocal barrage and the multitude of voices all vie for the listener’s attention while horns and a pedal steel guitar make intriguing guest spots in the music.
Death Drive is a great record; it is brief and not overwrought with overbearing arrangements that might detract from its power leaving only the meat and marrow of the music for people to suck the life from the record. If my words escape your belief, see or hear for yourself; track this beast down and listen to the five tracks of sweet delirium that this EP contains, and maybe then you will understand just what I am talking about here.
