The musical experience and unexpected emotions that followed at a sermon in Al Green’s church in Memphis, Tennessee, were the starting point for Love, Death & In Between, the new full-length album by Dutch trio DeWolff. Would it be possible to create new songs that fit that vibe, almost like a religious experience, with as many people as possible? The idea led to a double LP, recorded in an analogue studio surrounded by forests in Brittany, with 67 minutes of versatile music. Years of playing, recording and performing together pay off in the best the prolific musicians have released to date. The 12 tracks here are rich and warm, as colorful and fascinating as the cover art. I think it’s fair to say that what Love, Death & In Between is to DeWolff, is similar to what Exile On Main St is to The Rolling Stones.
Brothers Pablo (guitar, vocals) and Luka van de Poel (drums, vocals) alongside Robin Piso (Hammond, Wurlitzer) started 15 years ago – still as teenagers – as a psychedelic southern rock band, but here soul predominates, in a great way blended with R&B, funk, gospel, blues and of course rock and psych influences. For example, listen to how all this comes to ecstasy in Message For My Baby – amazing and unique. Also thanks to the contributions of a bunch of skilled friends on saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion and background vocals, this record takes us into higher spheres.
Love, Death & In Between is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP through Mascot Label Group/Mascot Records. The album was recorded with vintage equipment in a rural analogue studio in the village of Loguivy-Plougras (North-western France), live to tape, without overdubs or use of computers.