This album raises a smile from the very first strum. An anagram of his name, Whoa Melodic is the eponymous debut from Michael Wood. His first solo project, he is best known for his work with Singing Adams/Steven Adams and the French Drops and Hayman Kupa Band. Whoa Melodic is gentle humour, gentle music and a gentle voice, all home-produced from Wood’s hi-tech cupboard under the stairs.
Whilst stating the element of chance in the production of this album, it is anything but chaotic. Polished and neat, it is a perfect piece of pleasantness and harmony. Decidedly bouncier than the other tracks, the single ‘Disappointed Pessimist’ has a light retro organ, guitars and tambourines. The melody is reminiscent of the Manics at their most emotive – think ‘If You Tolerate This’ on a post-Christmas diet.
The songs seem very fresh as if Wood has been out doing a bit of data gathering, observing the world and then writing it down as if in real-time. There is that feeling of a quickness of response, a certain newness about the album. Tracks such as ‘I Will Never Let You Down’ take a narrative form, “When I was young I was shy and naïve“. I get the sense this is the essence of Wood still. References to everyday folk and experiences such as his English teachers make Whoa Melodic nostalgic and reflective. It seems to be about going back and talking to your younger self, instilling self-belief. The message is simple and clear, heartfelt and genuine. And there is nothing more reassuring than when Wood repeats the title of the song as the outro. Have it as the affirmation at the start of your day.
Many of the tracks are sheepishly short and have Wood emptying his heart and then scurrying back into the bushes. There are a number clearly addressed to his wife and it is obvious that he cannot believe his luck. ‘To See You Alone’, ‘Hopeless and Lonely’ and ‘Totally Mad’ are especially noticeable in this respect. The latter demonstrating his self-confessed obsession with Paul MacCartney – I can think of worse obsessions. It’s easy to imagine Wood at his piano musing on friendship and time, a ginger tom curling round his ankles.
There is a nice bit of introversion by way of ‘The Night Comes’. In this ‘saddest tale you ever heard’ about loss and reclaimed identity, Wood is accompanied by little bluebirds singing on the ledges of the open sash windows.
Michael Wood sounds like he very much deserves everything to go right for him. Whoa Melodic is lovely, like being hit in the face with a bunch of pink carnations.
Whoa Melodic will be released on 1st February 2019 through wiaiwya.
