Wicked Smile – ‘Wait for the Night’

 

It’s fair to say that Australia has produced some great rock acts over the years, from AC/DC (although us Scots like to lay claim to them) and Jimmy Barnes (he’s technically ours too!) to Rose Tattoo, Jet and Airbourne. It’s a country that knows how to rock ‘n roll and Wicked Smile are a heavy rock band hoping to make a similar impact to many of their compatriots. Formed in Melbourne, the band consists of Danny Cecati (vocals), Stevie Janevski (guitar), Dave Graham (guitar), Glen Cav (bass) and Jason Tyro (drums). They were already experienced musicians, with members having played in various bands such as Eyefear, The Radio Sun and Virtue. Last year, they released the ‘Delirium EP’ with the intention of “giving the world a taste of what we’re about” whilst further enhancing their credentials as “a five-piece kick ass heavy rock band” through 5 sold-out shows in their hometown of Melbourne earlier this year. Quite an achievement when you consider the world stopped for 18 months during the pandemic!

 

It’s from this impressive foundation that Wicked Smile have built their 10-track debut album, ‘Wait for the Night’, already released in Australia by the time you read this and due for a UK/European release on 15th October and a Japanese release on 27th October. Produced by the brilliant Paul Laine and mastered by Bruno Ravel (both of Danger Danger and The Defiants fame) it’s clear that Wicked Smile have pulled out all the stops to make this album a success. So, will Wicked Smile have as much success with ‘Wait for the Night’ as my own ‘wicked smile’ apparently had on ‘Rosie’ at the music festival??

 

A distorted bass riff introduces first track ‘Date with the Devil’, leading to a heavy and fast paced opener where the prominent and powerful bass of Glen Cav drives things along whilst Danny Cecati’s voice hits every note with ease. The chorus is made memorably catchy and instantly hummable with Cecati’s lead vocals interplaying with the ‘call-and-response’-style “Whoa, whoa, whoa” in the background. The guitar solo is fast and well suited to the song, further complemented by the continuing heavy, driving rhythm before a final “Whoa, whoa, whoa” brings the track to a conclusion. As a first taste of the album, this one certainly whets the appetite!

 

The title track ‘Wait for the Night’ is up next and within the first 20 seconds of listening, I had to check that I wasn’t spinning a classic Dio album from the early 80s! The opening guitar riff, interspersed by the snappy drumbeat and bass notes, transported me back to the magic sounds created by Viv Campbell, Jimmy Bain and Vinny Appice on the ‘Holy Diver’ and ‘The Last in Line’ albums… and believe me when I say that’s a compliment of the highest order! This track is heavy and menacing throughout the verses with Jason Tyro’s bass drum sounding as if it’s about to burst through the skin, yet the chorus is as melodic and singable as anything a lot of melodic rock and AOR bands can muster. The structure of the musical arrangement around the guitar solo and indeed the feel of the solo itself, could indeed be a nod to Viv Campbell’s solo on ‘The Last in Line’ title track… or it could be pure coincidence, me talking nonsense… or both! Either way, my ears detected the spirit of Dio on this track and took me back to better, simpler times. Ah… the power of good music!

 

AC/DCs Bon Scott once brought his Scottish heritage to the fore by playing bagpipes on the mid-70s rocker and fan favourite ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)’. I don’t wish to engage in national stereotypes but if an Australian had to employ the same idea, it’s highly possible that they’d use a didgeridoo. Now, I could be wrong… but that’s what Wicked Smile appear to have used in the first few seconds of third track ‘We Fall’. To borrow and bastardise a phrase from the legendary ‘Tubular Bells’, “a slightly sampled didgeridoo”! It creates a spooky vibe before another great guitar riff tears through the speakers, reminding me of Velvet Revolver in their prime. In a similar manner to the previous track, the heavy-duty, head-banging riffs and menacing vocals throughout the verse make way for an incredibly catchy and melodic chorus that would cause raised hands and pumping fists in a live setting. If you’ve heard Swiss rockers Gotthard, this is the type of chorus they’d kill for… and Danny Cecati’s vocals aren’t dissimilar to those of the late Steve Lee’s in the higher range of his register. The moodier musical accompaniment returns for the obligatory guitar solo before the track plays out with the sing-along qualities of the chorus. Is the musical structure of ‘heavy, moody verse – catchy, melodic chorus – guitar solo – catchy, melodic chorus outro’ going to be a signature of Wicked Smile? If so, it’s a signature that’s worth keeping!

 

‘Sign of Times’ is up next, opening with a beautiful but sad sounding acoustic-style intro that suggests a mournful ballad before quickly breaking into another heavy rocker, albeit with a slightly reduced tempo. There’s an early Black Sabbath feel to proceedings, as the power chords of Steve Janevski and Dave Graham make way for Cecati’s opening vocals, accompanied only by a drumbeat. It’s all very foreboding but when you listen carefully to the lyrics, it’s very much the story of the very difficult times we’re all living in; “Changing time for us, warning signs around. Making rules without warning, gatherings not allowed”. Undoubtedly a commentary of the ongoing pandemic and the anger and confusion caused by constantly changing rules and restrictions on seeing family and friends. So, it’s something we can all relate to. The slower pace adds to the relatively dark but accurate lyrics and moody vibe, with the frustration of the current situation apparent in Cecati’s voice as he almost spits out the words. This is very much a song that provides a voice for the feelings of many people.

 

The pace picks up again with ‘Daze of Delirium’, a mid-tempo melodic rocker with another brilliant sing-along chorus. For most of this album so far, I’ve been trying to pinpoint the familiar sound in Danny Cecati’s voice and on this track, it comes together and falls into place! It’s a wonderful hybrid of Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson and ex-Queensryche singer Geoff Tate, particularly in the higher notes. There’s some great rhythm guitar work in the background, with the bass and drums rhythm section keeping the pace without skipping a beat. But for me, it’s the real melodic edge to this song that stands out, with the return of a “whoa” in the chorus a real opportunity for the audience to get involved in a live setting, in a similar manner to what Y&T do so successfully with many of their choruses.

 

As the album passes the midway point, the very Dokken-esque ‘Killer at Large’ bursts to life with a driving riff, squealing George Lynch-like guitars and more flawless vocals. This track would’ve fitted perfectly into any mid-late 80s, hair metal setlist, harking back to the glory days of the genre. On that note, was there any more of an eponymous hair metal album than Whitesnake’s self-titled ‘1987’ album? I’d argue that it pretty much defined the era and musically, the seventh track ‘Last Goodbye’ could very possibly have graced that album with ease. The opening guitar riff is straight from the John Sykes playbook, as is the guitar solo whilst the double bass kicks, melodic chorus and screeching but not overdone vocals are fully reminiscent of David Coverdale and co in their pompous prime! That album is one of my personal favourites of all time, so such generous comparisons are not given out for no reason! If you’re a fan of that era of Whitesnake, listen and decide for yourself whether it would’ve sat comfortably between ‘Children of the Night’ and ‘Straight for the Heart’. Next track ‘Love’s Got a Hold on You’ starts with a mysterious, atmospheric, almost Middle Eastern vibe before blasting into a riff that isn’t dissimilar to a much heavier version of Rainbow’s ‘Man on the Silver Mountain’. It sticks to the formula that has worked throughout this album; a heavy rock song with a melodic chorus that will have audiences bopping their heads and raising their hands in the air.

 

Perhaps that’s why the penultimate track, ‘Don’t Wait for Me’ comes straight out of left field and is the biggest surprise on the album. Starting with acoustic guitar, a layer of strings and even a tolling bell, I’ll be surprised and disappointed if there’s not a lot of smoke and dimmed lights when this atmospheric gem of a ballad is played live. Danny Cecati takes the opportunity to show a completely different side to his vocal skills, with a performance that is superbly emotional, each word sang with almost perfect phrasing (if that makes sense!) whilst hitting every note flawlessly. The atmosphere is turned up a notch with the introduction of a simple drumbeat low in the mix for the second verse before it reaches a crescendo in the bridge with the introduction of power chords and a guitar solo by Janevski or Graham that’s a perfect fit for the feeling of the song. Surely it was played with eyes closed and head thrown back?? This is a classic, hard rock power ballad but with a modern sheen. The flawless, almost theatrical vocals combined with the wonderful musical arrangement and excellent production makes this track standout against recent, similar efforts by many of Wicked Smile’s peers… and as a bit of a power ballad connoisseur, I know what I like! This is a superbly written song and one of the highlights of the album that shows the band to have a strength and depth that is so much more than just heavy rock and metal. Outstanding!

 

Final track ‘Stronger’ ensures the album finishes in the manner is started, with fast riffs, driving bass and powerful drums. It’s fitting that an album that lyrically focussed on many of the problems we are facing in 2021 (civil unrest and mental health), finishes with a song that should be a call to arms for all of us as the world continues to change before our very eyes; “The change is coming and I’m ready to stand tall…… you can try and knock me down, you can try and push me around. I will be stronger”. Join the rebellion!!!

 

As I read back through this review, I’m struck by the number of comparison’s I’ve made to other bands. I don’t think I’ve ever written a review with the mention of so many others! Dio, Black Sabbath, Velvet Revolver, Gotthard, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Y&T, Dokken, Whitesnake and Rainbow… each one of them legends of heavy rock to some degree. Some may say that this means I’m suggesting there’s nothing new and fresh about the music and that they’re simply copying what’s been done before… but those cynical people would be well wide of the mark. Wicked Smile takes hard rock, metal, melodic rock and even AOR, merging them together in one big musical pot to create a modern sounding hard rock album that lyrically tackles the big issues of our time. Quite frankly, it represents everything we love about heavy rock! ‘Wait for the Night’ will most definitely feature on many ‘Best of the Year’ lists and has the potential to be the album that reignites mass interest in heavy rock. Let’s hope that live dates in the Northern Hemisphere (including Scotland!!) will happen as restrictions are lifted, allowing Wicked Smile to show the whole world what they’re all about. Meanwhile, head over to the band’s website or to Cargo Records to order your copy! If you love your rock music hard and heavy, this album will have you smiling… wickedly!!