Wicked – ‘Go Rebel’
(Magick Rite)
There are some albums that gently ease themselves into your listening routine, and then there are albums like Go Rebel by Wicked that grab you by the collar, crank the amplifier and demand that you start rocking! This is an unapologetically energetic slice of Melodic Hard Rock that wears its love of the Eighties proudly, but thankfully never falls into the trap of sounding like a nostalgia exercise. Instead, Wicked take those classic influences and give them a modern American Pop Rock makeover, creating a sound that feels both familiar and fresh.
From the opening moments, Go Rebel makes its intentions crystal clear. Crunching guitars, punchy rhythms and enormous melodic hooks are everywhere, with Wicked seemingly determined to ensure that there isn't a dull moment anywhere across the album. This is rock 'n' roll designed for one purpose: to get your asses rockin'!
The Eighties influence is certainly easy to hear, particularly in the melodic guitar work, big choruses and instantly accessible songwriting. Yet there's a contemporary sheen running through the production and arrangements that prevents the album from sounding dated. Wicked understand that there's nothing wrong with looking backwards for inspiration, providing you have enough ideas of your own to move things forward.
One of the album's biggest strengths is its sheer abundance of hooks. Those wonderfully infectious guitar licks have a habit of burrowing their way into your brain, refusing to leave until you've found yourself reaching for the volume control once again. And believe me, this is an album that rewards loud listening. I found myself cranking the volume up, returning to the songs later and then cranking it even higher!
There are no unnecessary quiet passages or filler moments here. Go Rebel maintains its upbeat momentum throughout, delivering a consistently enjoyable collection of high-energy rockers. It's an album bursting with positivity and good-time vibes, making it particularly well suited to summertime parties, cold drinks and speakers pushed well beyond sensible levels.
If I had to cherry-pick a few tracks to get newcomers interested, I'd point them towards ‘Obsession’, ‘Who Do You Love’ and ‘Bones’, all instant favourites that perfectly demonstrate what Wicked do so well.
Go Rebel may not be reinventing the wheel, but it doesn't need to. This is melodic hard rock packed with crunch, energy and hooks, delivered with enough modern attitude to keep it sounding relevant. Turn it up and prepare to rock louder than loud!
8/10
Essential Track – ‘Obsession’
Review by Woody
