WONROWE VISION - PICTURES OF THE PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE

Wonrowe Vision, in case you were unaware, is the brain child of Mortifications own Steve Rowe. However the musical statement of Vision is very different from Morty, where Morty wants to pound you into musical submission through various forms of extreme metal;  Wonrowe Vision is pure hard rock worship with a distinct late 70’s early 80’s flair.

Pictures of the Past Present and Future is the title of the latest release from Wonrowe Vision. Pictures is sort of an odd release. There are two new studio tracks, ten live tracks and three tracks from several Lightforce demos and a Mortification version of one of the Lightforce songs.

I’m kinda confused as to what this album is supposed be, is it a live album? or a new Wonrowe Vision album? A small issue I suppose but when I hear there is a NEW Wonrowe Album I guess I’m hoping for NEW stuff.  Perhaps a couple of live tracks as a bonus are added to the end, know what I mean.

The two new studio cuts That’s Total Evil and Pictures are both good cuts, That’s Total Evil is the better of two musically. The vibe sorta reminds me of early Motorhead and The Ramones but a super catchy chorus, even though I found the verses a bit heavy handed. I've found myself hitting the replay button on IPod and CD player A LOT with this song. Pictures is a bit more poppy and as it turns out it’s an old Lightforce song.

The next ten tracks are taken from a live performance at the Metal Bible Launch on December 20^th, 2012.  Unfortunately the first two tracks are the same tracks that opened the album. Of the ten tunes seven appeared on the previous album, Mission Invincible. I’ve heard a few folks mention that they preferred the live versions to the original studio versions due to production issues. For myself that has never been an issue, except in a few extreme cases and that wasn’t one of them. The live tracks sound good and except for a few vocal glitches (barely noticeable) this versions are top notch.

The Spirit of the Rock, Vaporizer, Smile Your Way Through Life are great tunes and they shine here. 

The last four songs make up the demo material of early Lightforce with one Mortification version of 12 Men. This makes a nice novelty but I really would’ve liked maybe two more new songs instead. Four new tracks and a live recording would’ve been cool. The live jam during Smile Your Way Through Life was very nice.

Wonrowe Vision is a band I enjoy. Album opener That’s Total Evil is worth the price of the album, but perhaps some other new tracks could’ve been added. The lack of new stuff was a bit disappointing. I enjoyed this release but I’m only gonna give this a 6 axe review because for a second release new music should be paramount.

6 axes

WONROWE VISION - MISSION INVINCIBLE

Wonrowe Vision is the creation of Steve Rowe, bass player vocalist for Australian headbangers Mortification. That being said this album sounds NOTHING like Mortification, aside from Steve’s vocals and rumbly bass playing. Mission Invincible is the title of the bands debut album and it rocks.

Lincoln Bowen plays guitar and Andrew Esnouf rounds out this trio on drums. Between the three of them they have created some high energy rock n roll with some Metal and Punk overtones, Think Ramones and Motorhead, wrapped up and delivered in a slightly less volatile package. Taylor made for an underground college metal show.

Spirit of the Rock is a motoring rock tune with a great hook. Don’t look for a vast array of power chords or complexity here, simplicity with melody and rawness. Most of the songs could easily be heard at a skate park or bar or motorcycle rally. Resident Spider and Radical Parrot have perhaps the most ‘metal’ on the frame as it were.

Vaporizer, The White Rock and Smile Your way Through Life just scream of Motorhead. After making that observation it should be pointed out that ‘head have always viewed themselves as just a rock n roll band. In the same way Wonrowe Vision offer quite a bit of power and rawness while delivering a lot of bang for the buck. Not a rip off buck a tribute in which an artist pays homage to those who’ve come before them while delivering a map on how to get it done.

Rowe’s love for the Ramones is quite clear on the title track, I’m Not Afraid of the Dark and Wreath the Passion of My Fire. While the influence is obvious, the songs themselves are original. Perhaps the one song on this album that felt a little out of place to me is the single entitled Run in Circles. While I think it’s a good song, I don’t really think it’s a good representation of what this album is about. It veers toward a mellower or balladry (?) feel which is in direct contrast to the rest of the album.

Steve Rowe shows that he still has it crafting top drawer rock tunes with an appeal that is universal. Honestly, too many folks want to focus on Steve’s early work without giving his later work its due. I find that tragic and shortsighted. In one sense this release should silence those critics who claim that Steve is washed up. Mission Invincible puts all those doubts to rest once and for all.

For a limited time the album also comes with a DVD of two of the bands concerts; one at a skate park and the other in a club setting. I should also mention the quality of the cover artwork which I think simply screams PLAY IT LOUD! A great illustration I’d wear proudly on shirt.

Mission Invincible brings the load home and drops it right in your driveway. Greasy and dirty with a decade of dirt (from the Outback no less), the sweat spent during this records construction is quite clear. Direct pumping and raw rock n roll with an infectious groove that would fit nicely in any hard rock fans library.


8 axes