Wild Pink, here with their indie swag n’ roll, hits us with their fifth studio album, Dulling The Horns, a thrilling kick in the pants that takes the listener on a journey through wholesome feelings, meditation, and a healthy dose of rock n’ roll swagger. Frontman John Ross, alongside core members Dan Keegan (drums), Arden Yonkers (bass), and Mike ‘Slo-Mo’ Brenner (pedal steel), have put together a set of tracks that feel like they’ve taken everything they’ve learned from touring and experimenting, and refined it into pure rock energy.
Kicking off, “The Fences of Stonehenge” sets the mood for the album. Ross’s thoughtful lyrics ask, “Do you still believe it?”—a question that hits home, blurring the line between self-doubt and daring to dream. You can really feel the gut-wrenching energy here, and it’s obvious that Wild Pink is going for a more aggressive sound this time around. It’s a stark contrast to the smoother, more atmospheric polish of their previous album, ILSYM. The guitars are sharper, the rhythms are punchier, and the overall vibe is one of a band ready to break free from the confines of their past.
As you keep listening, you’ll hit tracks like “Eating the Egg Whole.” This one’s a perfect example of Ross’s quirky lyrical style, where he links sports metaphors with some pretty deep-life stuff. The line “Sometimes a dream ain’t meant to be lived in, it’s meant to be forgotten” really hits the nail on the head, while the surrounding lyrics about Michael Jordan’s late career add a touch of idiosyncratic charm. This blend of personal insight and unexpected imagery is classic Wild Pink, and it really glows on this record.
“Bonnie One” takes a different approach, blending sludgy instrumentation with heartfelt declarations of love. It’s got this warmth that stands out from the rougher stuff on the album, showing these guys can do more than just one thing. They’re jumping from gritty rock to soft ballads without losing their edge, which is pretty cool. The way Keegan’s drums and Yonkers’ bass work together sets up a solid base for Ross to let loose vocally, making for a considerably killer listen.
Now, “Catholic Dracula” is where things get interesting. Ross digs into faith and human weakness, with lines like “Way before he ever was a bat, Dracula was a Catholic too, in fact” – a rather clever way of talking about dealing with your past and all the messy stuff about belief. They throw in some wonky sax and glockenspiel to keep it from getting too heavy, so it’s kind of dancing between serious and silly. It’s these moments that show how good these guys are at telling stories through their music. You can really think about the lyrics while getting lost in the sound.
The closer, “Rung Cold,” is a six-minute breather that lets you catch your breath after the wild ride of the earlier tracks. It’s like a musical decompression chamber, letting you soak in the journey you’ve just been on. The lyrics touch on pushing through tough times and moving forward, tying in nicely with the album’s overall vibe of growth and change.
So, what’s the verdict? Well, it’s safe to say Wild Pink has seriously upped their game here. It’s a record that captures the chaos of life while also celebrating how nothing stays the same forever. Ross and the gang have put together a record that feels fresh but also like it could’ve come out any time in the last few decades. It’s brim-full with cool hooks, smart lines, and a vigour that’s hard to ignore. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to their music, Dulling The Horns is an exhilarating ride that demands to be experienced.