Stoner Rock four-piece HWDU (Pronounced Hoodoo) returns with another blend of heavy rock from Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom. The six-track EP Better You Than Me is a follow-up to last year’s debut EP Love Crime, A release this blog gave glowing reviews for.
The self-proclaimed ‘Twp Rockers’ have been growing their fanbase since last year with support slots at local gigs in support of Ohmms, Boss Keloid, and Tuskar, and with upcoming support slots to Revival Black and Nick Olivieri in November,
The four-piece comprises lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Williams, Johnny Randall (Guitars and Vocals), drummer and vocalist Owen Foote, and bassist Gavin Smith.
The EP evolves from ‘Love Crime’ with more riffs and heavier songs to sink your teeth into. The lead single ‘Machine’ opens up with its alternative rock feeling. The singalong chorus and hook-laden riffs make this an infectious track to kick things off. Next up is the pop-punk of the title track ‘Better You Than Me’. The distorted guitars and accessible vocals remind me of bands like Foo Fighters. As I have mentioned, this EP ventures through different styles and genres to really explore the band’s sound.
‘President’ is a reminder that HWDU still likes to bust out the odd stoner grooves in the guise of acts like Clutch. The sliding guitar salvos on ‘Squat’ could be the closest the band gets to an Americana track from the sunny Climates of Southwest Wales. ‘White Horse’ is an aggressive stoner track with pounding drums. heavily-distorted guitars and melodic breakdowns that sound like the band have enjoyed making this release. And finally, the trippy ‘Lotus Eater’ combines extensive guitar interplay that incorporates blues and jazz with emotive vocals to complete this outing for HWDU.
Overall, HWDU continues to grow as a band with some decent riffs, infectious vocals, and songs to kick back and rock to.
The album is now available via Bandcamp.
Words by Anselm Anderson: Rating 8/10