Few bands in recent time have struck me as immediately and as deeply as Wheel. There’s something about the music that Mancunian James Lascelles and his Finnish companions create that resonates so deeply. Often compared with Tool, Opeth and Porcupine Tree, I’d argue that Wheel have a sound that is so rare in the world of music today … something unique and beautifully crafted; it’s totally individual.
I’ve been fortunate enough to see the band several times, most recently as Arctangent, but also in a small club venue pre-pandemic when they headlined and were able to really cut loose. Two EPs and two albums into their career, the band are slowly building momentum. There’s no rapid ascent here, just a steady climb. The band are in the mountain stages, still working hard to broaden their fan base and appeal. And in doing so they are remaining true to their sound.
Alongside Lascelles who sings and plays guitar, Wheel comprises Santeri Saksla on drums, Aki ‘Conan’ Virta on bass and Jussi Turunen on lead guitar. Ruminations is a short, three song EP that starts with the bass heavy blast of “Blood Drinker”. Dominated by Virta’s thick bass sound, the track ebbs and flows in tempo, staccato blasts and unorthodox time signatures rage, the band diverting into a progressive rabbit hole, the guitars understated but remaining in the mix, whilst Lascelles gives a strong vocal performance. It’s a welcome continuation of the form was demonstrated on Resident Human and provides more of Wheel’s angular delineations, searching vocals and cleverly constructed music.
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“Impervious” starts in a more gentle, reflective style, some delicate music weaves its way around Lascalles’ vocals. The song soon increases in both power and pace before dropping down the gears once more. Seductive, mysterious, and powerful, it’s another sublime song that is beautifully constructed. Closing track “Synchronise” sees Wheel incorporate some strings into their sound. These turn out to be some of the most captivating parts of the song, blending with perfect symmetry to the tender lyrics and gentle sway as the song develops.
Ruminations may only be short, but it bodes fantastically well for 2023 and the next full-length album. For now, secure it via the digital service, for there is change that the band may not release physical copies. For the completist, this is a disaster. However, despite any disappointment in format, the content is simply stunning, and the anticipation for what comes next from this enigmatic and exciting band is now even higher.
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Ruminations is out on November 10th
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