IN REVIEW
KULA SHAKER
WORMSLAYER
Reviewer: David Weddle
Having hit the heady heights of chart success in the mid 90s with super hits like 'Govinda' and 'Hush', psychedelic rockers Kula Shaker have returned with a brand new studio album, 'Wormslayer'. It follows the band's 2024 album Natural Magick, which saw the band entering the UK charts. This new record carries all of the hallmarks of a Kula Shaker record, crammed full of psychedelia, with Crispin's distinctive vocal work putting the Kula Shaker stamp well and truly on each track.
There is an air of familiarity running throughout, with the mix of swirling guitars and solid riffs mixing with their slightly off-centre approach to melody, all working together to create that nostalgic sound that they are renowned for. They start off strong with 'Lucky Number', which has a beat that is incredibly infectious thanks to the rhythmic drumming of Paul Winterhart that really shines through, while the catchy guitar work really gets the old ears well and truly hooked.
There is an air of familiarity running throughout, with the mix of swirling guitars and solid riffs mixing with their slightly off-centre approach to melody, all working together to create that nostalgic sound that they are renowned for. They start off strong with 'Lucky Number', which has a beat that is incredibly infectious thanks to the rhythmic drumming of Paul Winterhart that really shines through, while the catchy guitar work really gets the old ears well and truly hooked.
Don't be fooled by the nostalgia, though; this is a record that is very much in the present day. With songs like their single 'Good Money' making good use of modern technology to create a very thought-provoking video while sticking to that Kula Shaker sound. It is very singable; once you hear it, it is stuck in your head for a good while, so be warned.
In fact, Wormslayer really stands out for the hookability of its tracks, with Kula Shaker ironically creating earworms rather than slaying them. From Charge Of The Light Brigade to Shaunie, they have managed to give each song something that makes you want to click play again and again. With gems like Be Merciful adding a little chill-out magic to give your toes a break from tapping so much, the album is really well constructed; you can tell that a lot of thought went into the order of the tracks.
Closing the album with a song like Dust Beneath Our Feet was a genius move; it feels almost anthemic at points and will definitely leave you wanting to hear more from Kula Shaker. A great album from a great band.
Wormslayer is available from 30th of January so be sure to check it out at kulashaker.os.fan/
In fact, Wormslayer really stands out for the hookability of its tracks, with Kula Shaker ironically creating earworms rather than slaying them. From Charge Of The Light Brigade to Shaunie, they have managed to give each song something that makes you want to click play again and again. With gems like Be Merciful adding a little chill-out magic to give your toes a break from tapping so much, the album is really well constructed; you can tell that a lot of thought went into the order of the tracks.
Closing the album with a song like Dust Beneath Our Feet was a genius move; it feels almost anthemic at points and will definitely leave you wanting to hear more from Kula Shaker. A great album from a great band.
Wormslayer is available from 30th of January so be sure to check it out at kulashaker.os.fan/