Werking On A Dream:
The Werks Release Inside A Dream November 20th
It’s been a few years since I’ve seen The Werks live. I think the last time was on a double bill with Southern California’s own, Quactus at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, CA. They brought an infectious sound then and now, many years ago, they bring more heat than before. On November 20th, The Werks will release their 4th studio album, Inside A Dream. I was thrilled to be asked to give it a listen ahead of time and share my thoughts. So, let’s get to werk!
As the band says, “Take a journey into your most vivid dreams – that state where we can leap off a building and fly into the night, or tumble into a new dream all together.”
If this, in fact, is a dream, they begin with The Answer. Guess it’s a Douglas Adams quest for the question. We all know that 42 is the answer. As if plucked from the hard driving playbook of Umprhrey’s McGee, the Answer is a great place to start this dream.
The Answer certainly sets this album up for great things to come. The thump and funkness of The Drop comes up next and comes with an infectious bass line and catchy hook.
If progressive musical exploration is your thing…don’t skip Opus 66. According to the band it is, “a modern progressive retake of a Chopin classical piano piece.” I’ll buy that and then some. It’s a musical journey pushing the limits of both instrument and player. A classical symphony wrapped in the mind of a madman and delivered by 4 guys with the enthusiasm of a full orchestra.
For You is the required prescription to get you cured of the Opus 66 infection. Although, that’s an infection that I believe you’ll be stuck with for life. Light and ethereal, For You mixes piano and Hammond organ to give you a nice sense of comfort and lilting guitar leads to hold you comfortably while you heal.
Give or Take gives a bouncy country beat with great harmonies and enough rock vibe beneath the country-esque feel to satisfy even the most critical of listener. Find Your Way dives back into that Umphrey-esque prog world…and I dig it!
You don’t get the title track until track 7. Worth the wait? Considering what leads up to it, Inside a Dream certainly lives up to its title with an airy feel. I’ve used this comparison before but it bears repeating. It reminds me of the British prog-pop sounds of Squeeze from the early 80s. This is not a bad thing, because, I love Squeeze!
Alive is up next. If I said rock ballad, would you hold it against me? Mix in some extended guitar licks and jams with the lyrics of a 90’s rock ballad and…well…you’ve got Alive. Sorry boys, they can’t all be home runs…unless you’re into that kinda thing then pass me a Budweiser tall boy and lets take that largely uncomfortable trip down memory lane into the land of long hair and black leather.
Not Alone and Transformational will bring you safely back to the world of jammy goodness. Thankfully, we’ve been rescued from the 90’s and catapulted into the NOW and apparently we are not alone.
Waiting Room closes the album out nicely setting you safely back on the ground with a slow and harmony filled mid-tempo jam all ending with an alarm clock waking you from your dream state….nicely done.
All told, I’m really impressed with the latest release from The Werks. After limited exposure in the past (literally one live show and a few listens on JamOn) I believe my previous opinions of the band from Ohio are confirmed. They bring it and they bring it well. Looking forward to seeing more from The Werks in years to come. Now just getting them back to California. Would love to come full circle and see that Quactus/Werks pairing again…wink wink, nudge nudge.
The Werks will release Inside a Dream on Friday, November 20th with a CD release show planned in their home town of Columbus. Tickets are on sale now for their national tour with Twiddle, aptly named the “TWERK TOUR”. For more information about the Werks and their upcoming tour check out www.thewerksmusic.com.
Speaking of pairings, you still have a chance to catch their tour with Twiddle (11/20 & 11/21) and then a special show with Kung Fu on 12/18.
THE WERKS
FALL/WINTER TOUR DATES
Nov. 20 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall – GET TICKETS (w/ Twiddle)
Nov. 21 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom – GET TICKETS (w/ Twiddle)
Nov. 25 – Dayton, OH – ‘Werksgiving’ at Oddbody’s – GET TICKETS
Nov. 27 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Rex Theater – GET TICKETS
Dec. 18 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place – GET TICKETS (w/ Kung Fu)
Dec. 30 – Covington, KY – Madison Theater – GET TICKETS
Dec. 31 – Covington, KY – Madison Theater – GET TICKETS
Jan. 02 – Lakeland, FL – Hometeam New Year’s Rally – GET TICKETS
Jan. 06 – Miami, FL – Jam Cruise 2016 – GET TICKETS
* With Twiddle
* With Kung Fu
