Everyone loves a comeback; the more ardent then the better the story, the greater the achievement…let’s take Jesus for example. The man was supposed to have been tortured, literally crucified and then thrown into a sealed cave on a Friday, DEAD, only for him to re-emerge 3 days later like an absolute lad, dabbing with his disciples…well now we’re going to talk about a different comeback; a virtual messiah of modern music, ANDREW WK. Back in 2001 he made an instant impact on alternative rock with his iconic debut “I Get Wet”, with undeniable anthems such as “Party Hard” and “Party Till’ You Puke”…he backed this up with the brilliant “We Want Fun” which was used for “Jackass: The Movie”…he was intense, on face value he was here for a good time, not a long time and as it turns out, it was true. He did release a couple more albums but the party had died down, and over time he petered out as tastes evolved and changed. Recently however, AWK has been going through a bit of a renaissance…and it’s all thanks to that partying.
To party, is to live; though it’s far more than a weekend session getting wasted, but an actual way of life itself, it’s a state of mind for there is party in everything around you, and he’s taken this philosophy around the world as a motivational speaker, encouraging young people to embrace themselves and love life. A regular magazine column writer, an author, he conducted seminars at universities on the positive power of partying and he garnered almost cult-like status, so it’s with a great sense of anticipation, that we allow Andrew back into our lives with his first new album in over ten years; “You’re Not Alone”…has this new sense of being reignited a fire within him, or will hype and expectation crash the party? Let’s find out…
The album opens up with “The Power Of Partying” and as with most albums these days it’s an intro track…with almost military inspired drum loop, coupled with a complete brass section and triumphant, almost cinematic tone, it sounds very much like a mission statement; Andrew is BACK and you better get ready, because this party is gonna’ start any time now! First track proper “Music Is Worth Living For” follows up immediately and it exudes all of the up-beat, positivity…all of it. The synth led alternative rock, backed with a huge bold chorus is virtually beaming…like a ray of sunlight slicing through the clouds on a rainy day, it’s just happy! Recent single “Ever Again” takes things up a notch or two then with its gang-vocals and anthemic bombardment. Bass-heavy and full of groove it’s incredibly infectious with some huge melodies, this is no doubt going to be a firm favourite with live crowds; such a pleasure this is!
The good times don’t stop there either, “Keep On Going” is full of encouragement and support for the listener, a message to not give up, to not allow life’s setbacks to stop you being you, Andrew is rooting for you, the party is for everyone and you’re welcome to join in just like everyone else. “Break The Curse” is a lot deeper in tone, sultry, pulsing electronica leading into a sweeping, grandiose piece, but the message is the same, rise above the negativity…lengthy, but enjoyable, while by contrast “I Don’t Know Anything” utilizes a shorter, retro-punk inspired tone to vibrant and enjoyable effect. There are a couple of questionable moments however over the course of this 16-track record, most notably the three interludes; “The Feeling Of Being Alive”, “In Your Darkest Moments” and “Confusion And Clarity”…while the thought behind them was and is lovely, reinforcing his motivational philosophies, he does come across as a touch preachy which would have been better suited to one of his seminars as opposed to album content. Luckily the title track closes the album on a triumphant note; a charismatic call to arms, to unite in the name of partying. Fans who have fond memories of head-banging like lunatics to his heavier early material may be disappointed with this but the message here transcends genre. It’s impossible to not be cheered up and motivated by this record, and long may Andrew inspire partying around the world…puking optional. [7]
To party, is to live; though it’s far more than a weekend session getting wasted, but an actual way of life itself, it’s a state of mind for there is party in everything around you, and he’s taken this philosophy around the world as a motivational speaker, encouraging young people to embrace themselves and love life. A regular magazine column writer, an author, he conducted seminars at universities on the positive power of partying and he garnered almost cult-like status, so it’s with a great sense of anticipation, that we allow Andrew back into our lives with his first new album in over ten years; “You’re Not Alone”…has this new sense of being reignited a fire within him, or will hype and expectation crash the party? Let’s find out…
The album opens up with “The Power Of Partying” and as with most albums these days it’s an intro track…with almost military inspired drum loop, coupled with a complete brass section and triumphant, almost cinematic tone, it sounds very much like a mission statement; Andrew is BACK and you better get ready, because this party is gonna’ start any time now! First track proper “Music Is Worth Living For” follows up immediately and it exudes all of the up-beat, positivity…all of it. The synth led alternative rock, backed with a huge bold chorus is virtually beaming…like a ray of sunlight slicing through the clouds on a rainy day, it’s just happy! Recent single “Ever Again” takes things up a notch or two then with its gang-vocals and anthemic bombardment. Bass-heavy and full of groove it’s incredibly infectious with some huge melodies, this is no doubt going to be a firm favourite with live crowds; such a pleasure this is!
The good times don’t stop there either, “Keep On Going” is full of encouragement and support for the listener, a message to not give up, to not allow life’s setbacks to stop you being you, Andrew is rooting for you, the party is for everyone and you’re welcome to join in just like everyone else. “Break The Curse” is a lot deeper in tone, sultry, pulsing electronica leading into a sweeping, grandiose piece, but the message is the same, rise above the negativity…lengthy, but enjoyable, while by contrast “I Don’t Know Anything” utilizes a shorter, retro-punk inspired tone to vibrant and enjoyable effect. There are a couple of questionable moments however over the course of this 16-track record, most notably the three interludes; “The Feeling Of Being Alive”, “In Your Darkest Moments” and “Confusion And Clarity”…while the thought behind them was and is lovely, reinforcing his motivational philosophies, he does come across as a touch preachy which would have been better suited to one of his seminars as opposed to album content. Luckily the title track closes the album on a triumphant note; a charismatic call to arms, to unite in the name of partying. Fans who have fond memories of head-banging like lunatics to his heavier early material may be disappointed with this but the message here transcends genre. It’s impossible to not be cheered up and motivated by this record, and long may Andrew inspire partying around the world…puking optional. [7]
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