Rob Zombie returns with what he claims is the most f***** up thing he and his band have ever done in The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser.
https://vimeo.com/164605960
Text Review:
Band leader, solo artist, actor, director, riot inducer, all of these things are fair descriptions when assigning titles to the success of Rob Zombie. For a man who has fearlessly played by his own rules and succeeded in various media forms and continuing to push the envelope, it can be hard to predict what will come next from a man with a wild music career dating back to 1987.
Whether it’s White Zombie, his solo career or his ever growing film library, just about everyone has something that they love about Rob Zombie. So when a new album with the title of The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser is announced and it includes song titles to match the insanity of the album title, it’s going to get every type of Rob Zombie fan’s attention.
2016 could be a big year for Rob with this new album and the upcoming movie 31 which already premiered at Sundance. Looking back now at past albums and films made by the man it slowly becomes clear that not only is Rob Zombie a die-hard fan of horror, but he can take elements out of horror films and incorporate them to other mediums like hard rock and science fiction. And if the album and track titles are not indicative enough of what to expect, then take it from the dead man’s own statement on the album: “This album is the best thing we’ve done to date, and we can’t wait to share it with you. No, we mean it. It’s the most f***** up thing we’ve ever done.”
Some of the new tracks have been released slowly to radio over the past few weeks with mixed feedback ranging from high praise to statements of the deadman going off his rocker. But if the goal was to intentionally make something as crazy as an album with the title The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser, it’s hard to argue that Rob Zombie doesn’t mind living on the brink of insanity. In all honesty, that’s where he has delivered some of his best material.
The album’s first single has an amazing hook and fantastic bass line. Say what you want about the ridiculous lyrics and the potential story involved, but you have to admit it’s hard to not get into the rhythm in this song. Rob’s distant vocals on the track make the story format of the song even more detailed and the guitar riffs followed by the title of the track make this song instantly memorable.
The big complaint about this song is that it’s short. It clocks in at two minutes 43 seconds. That wouldn’t be a big problem if it wasn’t stacked with the fact that almost EVERY song is short. All but one of the tracks on this album are under three minutes in length, and the total album time runs at a little under 33 minutes. When this happens repeatedly, it makes you feel like you aren’t getting enough investment out of each song.
The music itself in just about every track is strong and deep. There is a gritty funk behind most of the songs and I don’t think anyone can argue how creative it is with an amazing list of characters including preachers, gore whores and teenage rock gods, but much of it feels like small portions. The songs that stand out the best are the ones you want more of, and you have to hit the replay button more often not because you love it, but because you missed the song when distracted for a minute.
Gore Whore was the 2nd song released before the album debut and like the first single it has a funk vibe along with some good organ notes and Rob is once again spectacular on this track. The drums from Ginger Fish are prominent and the singing of Gore Whore sells the song on making you want to sing along. The problem, like the first single and other tracks, is that it feels very short. This track only 2 minutes 47 seconds.
Hearing how this album is the craziest thing and best that Rob Zombie has put out under his solo name is a big statement to get excited over. And while the music and vivid creativity is there, it truly feels like I’m missing out. Much like finally saving up for that fancy restaurant, ordering your food, and getting a portion only big enough to fill a rabbit. It might be great, but you crave more.
Rob Zombie has created a dynamic legacy of music and art over the course of several decades and has proven year after year why he is unrivaled in live performances. Even in 2016 he continues this legacy with his talent and creativity, but even with all this it still feels like we could have been giving something more.
Overall, Electric Warlock is a very fun listen that you can definitely get into, but the good time truly feels short lived. But even with my criticism of the track length, this album still delivers some wild new material that will incite riots at concerts and undeniably belong with the music career of Rob Zombie, as well as his legion of fans.
7/10
