Volbeat – "Rewind, Replay, Rebound" (Review)

Volbeat – "Rewind, Replay, Rebound" 

(Vertigo)

Out Now

Danish rockers return with album number seven and their first studio outing with bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen. What, at first listen, seems yet another generic rockabilly meets metal Volbeat album, soon turns into a rather splendid album. Things kick off nicely with the INXS inspired funky riff of ‘Last Day Under The Sun’ and you’re automatic thought (well MY automatic thought) was “thank God they’re actually doing something new”. 

Now don’t get me wrong, their Johnny Cash meets Metallica signature sound is VERY good indeed BUT it does get a bit tiresome when you hear the same riffs and vocal melodies over and over again. Sadly there are a few tracks on ‘Rewind, Replay, Rebound’ that fall into that category. ‘Pelvis On Fire’ for example is nothing more than a mix of ’16 Dollars’ and ‘Sad Man’s Tongue’ which is quite lazy in my opinion. ’16 Dollars’ and ‘Sad Man’s Tongue’ are both GREAT songs in their own rite BUT we’ve heard them before lads, surely you can come up with some original ideas? 

Thankfully for Volbeat, they have. ‘When We Were Kids’ is a tender Americana style look back to a childhood lost, ‘Sorry Sack Of Bones’ channels The Cramps with a rather splendid reverb dripping single note guitar riff, ‘Cheapside Sloggers’ finds ex Exodus and current Slayer guitarist Gary Holt ripping like a man possessed on the solo, ‘Leviathan’ is the sound of Volbeat taking their signature sound and updating it to fine effect and album closer ‘7:24’ is a heartfelt ballad written by Michael Poulson to celebrate the birth of his daughter.

For my ears, what started off as a disappointing album upon first listen, has turned into a very enjoyable album after repeated plays. My advice would be to persevere with ‘Rewind, Replay, Rebound’ and you will find an album full of delights.

8/10 (Robert Adams) 

‘Rewind, Replay, Rebound’ Track List:

Last Day Under The Sun

Pelvis On Fire

Rewind The Exit

Die To Live

When We Were Kids

Sorry Sack Of Bones

Cloud 9

Cheapside Sloggers

Maybe I Believe

Leviathan

The Awakening Of Bonnie Parker

The Everlasting

7:24

Available in Limited Edition Fanbox, Vinyl, CD, 2 x CD and Digital

Volbeat are:

Michael Poulson – guitar / Lead Vocals

Rob Caggiano – Lead Guitar

Jon Larsen – Drums

Kaspar Boye Larsen - Bass