This album starts off with its title track, “The World’s Best American Band”. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that the crowd sound effects were necessary here, but it certainly gets you hyped up. The guitar riff that follows is the pure definition of triumphant. White Reaper have always done so well with capitalizing on this very youthful sound of theirs. It’s a little more cleanly produced than their past work, which certainly worried me about this the first few times I listened to it. But White Reaper really work well with this cleaner production. Overall, I can’t remember the last time a Rock track just encapsulated such a fun, youthful feel. It’s bouncy, with obviously tons of classic rock influence (I’m gettin’ a huge Cheap Trick vibe from this). But these big BIG choruses are what tie this together really nicely, which up until now had certainly been present in White Reaper’s music, but not THIS strongly. It gives me this feeling that this track and others on this album are seriously going to stand the test of time. This track is just a straight up, nothing fancy garage rock anthem. Not to mention, while this track is almost 5 minutes it really doesn't feel like it. Also, not only is this a great introduction to this album, I feel like this is just a great intro to their music in general. “Judy French” up next is a little more modern sounding, but man oh man is this ever a seriously punchy balls out rock track. This riff is absolutely gold, and the off the walls blast of energy in that vocal delivery just makes this track a BLAST. There’s a certain simplicity to this that just comes off so obvious, like a “Why the hell hasn’t anyone else done this lately” kind of feel. There are sweet lyrical moments, there are blast of energy throughout the verses, there really is so much going on. Overall this is just a great single that is going to really define White Reaper, and that’s not a bad thing. This one’s also got a certain punk sort of attitude. If we’re sticking with classic rock analogies, it’s more of a Buzzcocks sound than a Sex Pistols sound, but it works for White Reaper REALLY well. All of the same youthful energy is here in droves, and the solo here will alleviate any worries that you felt about White Reaper going for a cleaner sound here. Up next is “Eagle Beach”, which is a little grimier and heavier in sound while slowing things down quite a bit. These guitar licks here are a little sleazy, and just so much much of this gives me this overwhelming sense that White Reaper are having a blast. There are still plenty of sweet sentiments throughout these lyrics, White Reaper continue to write songs that most bands wouldn’t touch in this generation (and of course, the retro vibe sticks to that like a glove). I honestly feel like White Reaper sat down recording this album and just wrote a straight up rock n roll album with no rules whatsoever, but hell it works for them so well. There’s not really a ton to dive into on these songs, most of them are pretty straightforward. But that’s far from a bad thing. “Little Silver Cross” is up next, and listening to this intro I’m half expecting for them to go into Prince’s opening monologue from “Let’s Go Crazy”. But no, even over this very calming opening synth part, White Reaper are ready to go. This one picks up quickly, but that synth doesn’t go anywhere which I actually think comes off nicely. The riff here is fantastic, so many of these tracks have such simple structures, being made up of buildup during the entire verse and exploding for the chorus. And boy, do tracks like “Little Silver Cross” ever explode. As simple as this one ends up being, moments like the chorus here end up being some of the most memorable on the entire album. In a time period where so many rock albums need a recurring theme or a gimmick or a sub genre to get over and stand out, this is one of the more refreshing things I’ve heard in a while.
When we get into later tracks like “The Stack” some of the production gets seriously grimier. But I love it to be honest, it certainly gives these tracks a much more wild and unpredictable feel. Listening to these tracks, I feel like I’m back at college at some 15$ entry, beer soaked show on a Friday night. The piano on this one plunking in the background gives this one a nice backing as well, and reminds us that we’re still in the presence of a very classic sounding album. And while tracks like this are short and simple, most of them give you a strange feeling of completion: These tracks show up, give you some catchy hooks and memorable licks and they’re on their way. To be honest, not a lot of the tracks here really fall under my radar. However, “Party Next Door” is a little underwhelming. This one just doesn’t have the same kind of old school sound that made other tracks here just such a joy to listen to. The hook here even falls flat sadly and ends up being one of the most forgettable here by far. Even the riff here ends up not flowing well at all. All of the simplicity earlier that was making this all so refreshing comes off a little too simple here. The only thing refreshing here is the synths towards the end, which were a huge part of the last album which haven’t really shown up much here. However, White Reaper don’t stay down for long. After a disappointing track like “Party Next Door”, the triumphant blast that is “Crystal Pistol” is seriously needed. White Reaper tend to not wast any time with their music. Usually there are no drawn out intros or gimmicks, just care free rock n’ roll. I just can’t seem to get enough of Tony Esposito’s vocals, listening to them along will make you feel energetic and ready to hop on stage just in time for a stage dive or two. The solo here is fantastic, and I continue to love the simplicity of the lyrics. One thing I do wish there was a little more of were the solos. They are present, but it’s a huge part of garage rock and I feel like I don’t hear it enough. But outside of that, this is just a great rock album. “Tell Me” is up next, and this one has a whole lot of blues elements that we haven’t heard yet here. It’s a little something different for White Reaper, and it really doesn’t come out bad at all. It gives “Tell Me” a sleazy, sexy sound that’s been absent for the last few tracks, but hell yes does it ever work. The funk here is so undeniable, that I really wouldn’t mind hearing more groove-heavy tracks like this in the future (Even though I do think their strength lies within these upbeat and explosive garage punk jams). Solid work boys.
Now like I said, most of this album is real solid. But “Daisies” late in the album just comes off sounding sloppy. This riff really isn’t nearly as memorable even less flattering to their sound. It’s much grungier in a way and comes off sounding like something from their early EP’s. But overall, this just really isn’t flattering to them at all. There’s no catchy hook to hold on to, and the hook that DOES show up doesn’t come off nearly as well. Also, the main riff here just comes off WAY too much like a early 2000’s Strokes cover band for my liking. Thankfully though, White Reaper get back into their groove seriously quickly with “Another Day”, the finale and quite possibly the most explosive track here. It’s the shortest track here, but it works so well for them. Listening to this you get this feeling of “One last Hoorah”, one more blast of energy, and it seriously comes off fantastic. White Reaper may have a few projects under their belt, but I feel like for the first time they’ve officially arrived.
Rating 8.2/10
Give A Listen To: “The World’s Best American Band”, “Judy French”, “Little Silver Cross”, “Crystal Pistol”
Overall Thoughts: This is the most complete White Reaper project yet by far. When I heard them moving towards a slightly cleaner sound I didn't really know what to feel. But White Reaper ended up really working with it well. The chords here are rough, the choruses are punchy, and the atmosphere is so energetic and fun that it gives off this really wonderful, youthful sound. It doesn't overstay it's welcome at only a little over 30 minutes, but where this album shines the most is it's simplicity. Between the songwriting and the instrumentals themselves, theres an overwhelming sense of "This is so obviously good, I can't believe no one else did this first". Cheers White Reaper.
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