THE WIYOS

Twist

2012-02-11

The Wiyos, named after a notorious Old New York gang, were formed in Manhattan, landed briefly in New Orleans, and toured the world creating a space that was equal parts tin pan alley, vaudeville, old time, gypsy swing and cajun blues. After some personnel changes, the formerly acoustic band has transmogrified the Great American Songbook with a wood chipper and some kind of musical flux capacitor to create a brand new plugged-in sound. 'Twist' is a monstrously ambitious project; an album based loosely on L. Frank Baum's, The Wizard of Oz. With “grungy harp, crazed steel guitar, rockabilly bass, human beat box and three-part harmonies” the band manages to reference the Scarecrow, the Lion, the Tinman – even Toto - without cheapening themselves or the movie. The album is an all encompassing romp through nearly every American musical style. Check out trippy slices like “Scarecrow,” “Poppy Fields,” and “Penny Arcade.” Or the swampy “Mary,” “Farewell Weather Bird,” and “Sally May.” “Tinman” and “Mother Witch” are built on a beatbox backbone. “Home (The Ballad)” is a swinging bluesy vaudeville bump. “Yellow Lines” is a good old Nawlins stomp. Reviewed by Todd Townsend.

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 03/2008

    The Wood Brothers
    Loaded

  • reviewed 03/2017

    Byrd & Street
    This Much Is True

  • reviewed 10/2015

    The Waxies
    Down With The Ship

  • reviewed 10/2013

    WILD PONIES
    THINGS THAT USED TO SHINE

  • reviewed 06/2005

    Great Lakes Myth Society
    Great Lakes Myth Society

  • reviewed 09/2011

    DRIFTWOOD FIRE
    How to Untangle a Heartache

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.