Around these parts (Obviously, the RNRF offices), The Welcoming Committee is what one would refer to as a “spoiler”. Or maybe, more accurately, a “disrupter”! You see, we had a whole slate of posts (mostly) ready to go (or at least be worked on) when TWC’s debut EP came across our desk (Via our handy contact form so if you haven’t utilized it yet, the proof that it works is in this post!) and caused all our plans to go out the window. Well, adjusted. Because you don’t listen to something like the sounds created by this Boston outfit and just move onto the next thing! Oh no, you have to act!
So act we did! And honestly, without hearing a note how could we possibly pass up the chance to tackle a band self-described (Per the Bandcamp bio!) as “avant-gardepunkbluesrocknrollalternativenowave”! Luckily, the sounds match the swagger so if you like your music salty and strange and of the genre-bending variety then read on (Or maybe just stick around anyway? You’ve made it this far, haven’t you??)
The Birthday Party immediately comes to mind with the maniacal way that Zack commands the mic and we’re sure you’ll agree after hearing opener “Bow Wow x6”. Backed by Isabella (guitar), Mea (bass), and Vincent (Drums), “Bow Wow x6” also has airs of MC5, Boston heavies Leather Lung as well as early Clutch (Think crazed Neil Fallon barking out nonsensicals like “BeeBop A LooBop A WhopShamboo and Domo Arigato if I got to”) on a track that barely scratches the surface of what’s to come.
What’s to come is “A Christmas Song” which increases the insanity with Zack really going to some places vocally that highlight his broad range and emboldened by this incessant stomp out of Mea and Vincent with a buzzing guitar line from Isabella that will drill itself into your subconsciousness and just re-emerge whenever it likes… but in a good way! If that one-two punch of tracks wasn’t a good segue to The Welcoming Committee’s no-brainer cover of the Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ classic “I Put A Spell On You” then we’re not sure we’re listening to the same record here (As an aside, might we suggest some Arthur Brown on the next release???)
“Two Time Tuck” goes in another direction and, GASP!, slows things down with a foray into the weird, wonderful world of The Doors and hearkening back to The Soft Parade with this groovy number. To keep listeners on their toes, The Welcoming Committee stays further left of center with closing track “Martin” which reminds us of Wailin’ Storms with the bewitching Bluesy ways about this adding some devilish twang to the the band’s already impressive oeuvre.
The Welcoming Committee is out now and can be yours to stream and/or download when you head here or to the stream below. For more from The Welcoming Committee, including all the info on where to catch them live next like on November 23rd at Moon Base One in Salem with Round Window and Pleasure Wheel, hit the interweb socials here.