Record Review: The Woggles - Rock And Roll Backlash

AllMusic.com
by Hal Horowitz

The Woggles aren't trying to reinvent the garage rock wheel, but after slogging it out in every dive club since 1987, they realize that bringing new spins to the formula neither dilutes it nor opens them up to the dreaded sell-out finger pointing. Recorded at Rick Miller's (Southern Culture on the Skids) Kudzu Ranch in North Carolina, produced by Jeff Walls (ex-of Guadalcanal Diary) and mastered by the near legendary Rodney Mills, the quartet has a formidable backline for its first album in four years. The guys rise to the occasion with some of their finest material. The Woggles have experienced a surge in popularity through exposure on Little Steven's weekly radio show. Since this album is released on his Wicked Cool label, that is likely to continue. Little has changed in the group's approach, though a bit more British Invasion mixed with American garage invigorates the sound of these 12 originals. There is even a Spaghetti Western throwback with reverbed guitar and mariachi trumpet ("El Toro"). Occasional horns on a few other tracks also prove different ingredients added to their established jittery rock and roll stew can bring much needed spice to the concoction. Lead singer The Professor Mighty Manfred is in fine trashy shape as is the foursome's recent guitarist known only as Flesh Hammer. Songs such as "Time of My Own" and the title track boast singalong hooks and lyrics that veer towards the members' obvious love of an earlier time and their dedication to saving the purity of rock and roll. You won't need any convincing that they are up to the task after one spin of this raw, rollicking slab of retro rocking. It's a trip back to the 60s when the Standells, the Seeds and every other band on the Nuggets collection was making music that might have seemed disposable at the time but is now considered classic. Add the Woggles to that pack because they are every bit as committed, brash and raw and Rock and Roll Backlash is all the evidence you need.