Skip to main content

EP REVIEW- HWDU-Better You Than Me


 

Stoner Rock four-piece HWDU (Pronounced Hoodoo) returns with another blend of heavy rock from Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom. The six-track EP Better You Than Me is a follow-up to last year's debut EP Love Crime, A release this blog gave glowing reviews for. 

The self-proclaimed 'Twp Rockers' have been growing their fanbase since last year with support slots at local gigs in support of Ohmms, Boss Keloid, and Tuskar, and with upcoming support slots to Revival Black and Nick Olivieri in November,

The four-piece comprises lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Williams, Johnny Randall (Guitars and Vocals), drummer and vocalist Owen Foote, and bassist Gavin Smith.

The EP evolves from 'Love Crime' with more riffs and heavier songs to sink your teeth into. The lead single 'Machine' opens up with its alternative rock feeling. The singalong chorus and hook-laden riffs make this an infectious track to kick things off.  Next up is the pop-punk of the title track 'Better You Than Me'. The distorted guitars and accessible vocals remind me of bands like Foo Fighters. As I have mentioned, this EP ventures through different styles and genres to really explore the band's sound.

'President' is a reminder that HWDU still likes to bust out the odd stoner grooves in the guise of acts like Clutch. The sliding guitar salvos on 'Squat' could be the closest the band gets to an Americana track from the sunny Climates of Southwest Wales. 'White Horse' is an aggressive stoner track with pounding drums. heavily-distorted guitars and melodic breakdowns that sound like the band have enjoyed making this release. And finally, the trippy 'Lotus Eater' combines extensive guitar interplay that incorporates blues and jazz with emotive vocals to complete this outing for HWDU.

Overall, HWDU continues to grow as a band with some decent riffs, infectious vocals, and songs to kick back and rock to.

The album is now available via Bandcamp.


Words by Anselm Anderson: Rating 8/10 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏


If you enjoyed this review of HWDU, please click on the link below to read about their debut EP 'Love Crime'.

EP OF THE WEEK- HWDU-LOVE CRIME | Rambling Man's Reviews (anselmanderson.blogspot.com)


SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

https://hwdu.bandcamp.com/


https://www.facebook.com/hwdurock


https://twitter.com/hwdurock








Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Single Review: Allan James- Our dreams

Words were written by Anselm Anderson for Rambling Man's Reviews Allan James  is a much-accomplished singer-songwriter, based in Northern Virginia, USA James is a self-taught musician, who began playing guitar and singing songs aged 8 and by the time he reached his early teens, James had started to record and perform his original music for school, dances, and charities. James returned to the US following a successful stint as host of his own guitar TV show in Iceland, whilst living over there. Allan James achieved critical acclaim following the release of his debut single on local radio stations, as well as releasing  6 albums to date. James has always been at the forefront of utilizing technologies and using the internet to build a fanbase.  He now returns with " Our Dreams", the latest single off his forthcoming new album. A beautifully structured track that captures the soul with its succinct guitar play and poetic lyrics. The track conjures feelings of serenity...

Review: Stereophobia- Choke on This

Photo Credit: Eclipse Records   Words written by Anselm Anderson Last week, Stereophobia released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Choke on This , through Eclipse Records. This album follows their 2023 debut, No One Cares, and features a straightforward blend of alt-rock and grunge influences. Stereophobia is a power trio based in Lisbon, Portugal, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Mike Rocha, drummer Daniel Antunes, and bassist Bruno Santos. Produced by Miguel Camillo and mixed, mastered and recorded alongside Stereophobia at MC Studios. Choke on This consists of thirteen tracks filled with musically unsettling tones, angst-driven lyrics, and sonically enriching riffs that cut deep. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Vargas The album opens with an unsettling monologue that transitions into the intense cries of 'Maggots', which combines frenetic riffs and frenzied harsh vocals, propelling this album into a dramatic surge of grunge. The album maintains a grunge essence, echoing ...

EP Review: Virtue in Vain-Nothing is All I Am

  CoverArtwork Courtesy of San Pr Words Written by Anselm Anderson Today marks the final chapter of an emphatic trilogy by British Metalcore Heavyweights , Virtue in Vain . Nothing is All I Am ' is the third instalment exploring human emotions and psyche.  The trio began their journey in 2015 with their debut EP,  For All You Know is the Mask I Wore ,  focusing on the loss of identity, before 2019's   Dusk//Dawn looking at the consequences of a terrible night out, whilst 'Nothing is All I Am ' focuses on rebuilding a fractured mind. The trio of lead vocalist Hywel Thomas, guitarist Mason Williams, and drummer Daniel Bryant hail from South Wales deliver another dose of metalcore that hits like a sledgehammer to the head. The band replicates what many other British bands of the genre do, but they bring a story behind their music. Their emotional cries blend with powerful riffs and down-tuned instrumentals that resonate long after the music has stopped. Their...