Album Appreciation: The Noisettes – Whats the time, Mr. Wolf?

Circa 2006.

Sound: AfroPunk… Updated Post Punk/Blues Rock with a British Edge.
Album: (#1) Whats The Time, Mr. Wolf?

Why?
While most people are probably most familiar with Noisettes most recent album, “Wild Young Hearts…” it was their first effort that had me at first listen. Forming in 2003,  they are a perfect combination of Rock mixed with Blues and energy. Great guitar work throughout. Stunning bass and vocal work by the tenacious Shingai Shoniwa, whose voice can go from a powerfully pitched high “riot grrrrrrl” squeal to a deep, breathy vibrato without effort. Guitarist Dan Smith and Drummer Jamie Morrison are amazing within themselves, creating melodies, guitar solos and rhythms that gave this first album such a powerful sound.

Key songs to listen to?  “Iwe,” “Scratch Your Name” and “Dont Give Up.”

While the second album explores more of a softer pop sound (which is great, by the way), I’m definitely a first album girl… I love the energy you feel from the music they were making around that time, and they have everything they need to continue their march into musical awesomeness.

Being a nerd, I found some old videos of them I took for intern work at an old label… Live at the LA Detour Festival in 2007. Might as well post it up.

Enjoy.