| The What 4
2008 LP Say It Straight
Reviewed by Dobbie Glasson
24 July 2008
Experimental rock band The What 4 has delivered their debut full-length album Say It Straight. With such diverse sounds on the one release, it's no wonder they have been busy playing and getting some air time on Three D Radio. The What 4 are Jo Herbert on guitar and vocals, Frank Usmiani on bass, Wil Martin on drums and Paul Handley on synthesizers. Say It Straight is full of mind blowing sounds and effects, coming together nicely to produce a very stable record.
Rolling bass starts 'Science Fiction' which kicks the album into gear, and already it's into blazing synth and a guitar lick that tops this song off nicely. In 'Highbrow' the build up is worth the wait for the swelling, throbbing heart of the song. It's here you get the first taste of Herbert's womanly vocals and they are matured and somewhat sultry.
'D Construct' and 'Robotic Chaotic' give off a huge wall of sound; a surreal canvas of music filled with big bulky bass, glistening guitar riffs to impress, and tight, sharp drums all in the midst of synth protruding all the way to the ears.
'Joes Toy Gun' is a long, experimentally varied soundscape of noises. The same for 'Nova Sector', with novel sound effects and again busy bass. But it's guitar and gigantic synth that win over here.
With such large synthesizers in every song, the guitars could have been layered throughout each track, recorded several more times to provide a wider harmonic range. Double the vocals, double guitars, make it all larger than life and overall, a better more even listen. Perhaps a lesson for next time...
'Blowin' Bubbles' and 'Wilsfave' have faraway grooves with a smooth, electronic sound sensation at a slower pace to the rest of the album. 'Say It Straight'' s seductive and saucy, and would be surprisingly apt for the soundtrack of a Bond film. The What 4 really come together here to make this a distinct song well worth remembering.
Short and to the point is 'Logans Run'. It's perky, alternative rock with intergalactic sound effects. Following on,''The Seaside Song' is a beautifully fresh, soothing composition. Very intimate and intelligent in its ways. No instrument is out of place, but playing exactly what it should, when it should. This dreamy song is the stand out track of the album.
The What 4 are artistic, talented musicians providing a distinctive and interesting sound and Say It Straight is the perfect release for them. If new, experimental music is your scene, make it The What 4 and "Say It Straight...or it'll come out crooked."
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