TRIPPY WICKED & THE COSMIC CHILDREN OF THE KNIGHT (Movin On) CD
Due to the style of the colorful artwork of 'Movin On' it should be clear where the journey goes: back to the seventies. But this does not mean that UK's TRIPPY WICKED isn't interested in contemporary heavy rock bands, which leads to the fact that their self-financed debut doesn't sound as if it has been released in 1973. Already the powerful opener 'Movin On' reminds me of early Mountain mixed with elements of Kyuss and later Clutch. Another highlight is 'Southern' that is closely linked to the heavy British blues rock of the early seventies while 'Clothes On My Floor' radiates 1960's garage punk charm. Otherwise it's more likely that this British band combines some modern influences with the consciousness of 70's heavy rock tradition. It's obvious, that bands like Kyuss, Clutch and Soundgarden have left a lasting impression in TRIPPY WICKED's heavy music.
The only exception is 'Sea Shanty' which doesn't fit into the flow of the album. Apparently, this three guys wanted to show that they also have a preference for bands like High On Fire, but I have no idea. Pete Holland's vocals are another weak point in their songs. I can stand his nasal voice over the length of three of four songs, but then it qickly becomes an endurance test for me. Sometimes his vocals are suitable to the music and sometimes not. When this would've been an EP with songs like 'Movin On', 'Southern' and 'Clothes On My Floor', my enthusiasm would know no bounds. By doing so however, this album leaves an ambivalent impression, but I cannot deny the existing potential. It remains to be seen if TRIPPY WICKED will find their musical identity and improve the quality of their sound.
(KK)