Orlando’s six-piece Thomas Wynn and The Believers are back with latest record Wade Waist Deep via Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group. Being voted Orlando’s number one rock and country/folk band for seven consecutive years shows the amount of love for them from the ‘City Beautiful’.
Lead vocalist, Thomas Wynn played guitar and bass in church, while sister Olivia sang in the choir, all watched and influenced by their father, Tom Wynn, original drummer of country-rockers, Cowboys. The impact of their father’s style and church upbringing brings their mixture of rock gospel to the forefront of their lives.
Wade Waist Deep opens with “Man Out of Time”. Its harmonious vocals are of a native American form. Wynn adds a haunting guitar solo that perfects the swirl of vocals provided by Olivia Wynn Roche. Thomas Wynn handles lead vocals on track “Wade Waist Deep” and “Heartbreak Alley”. Their gospel shines through, moulded with guitar riffs of a gentle blues groove.
Throughout Wade Waist Deep their soul is bared for all to hear. Southern rock gospel music is emotional, it’s not afraid to cry in front of another human being, you’ll get this on “My eyes won’t be open” the track title is repeated amongst the harmonies of Colin Fei on his Hammond Organ. It continues with “My eyes won’t be open, when I die”
“You Can’t Hurt me” hits hard with a surprising grunge ethos of dirty guitar play. The vocals move in a deeper circle with Brother and Sister Wynn performing together. The riffs are harder, Ryan Miranda’s drumming skills are let loose. “Burn as One” brings out the heavier side once again. But on this occasion, we’re joined by Chris Antemasaris on harmonica. David Wagner on bass adds his gentle version of Rage Against the Machine lines to this track. This is the show stealer, if this song was a pro wrestler they would call it Mr Wrestlemania.
Track “Feel the Good” style, along with Thomas’ vocals are very (British rock band) Starsailor. A nice tip of the cap to them, if they intended to do that. Deep rooted rock n’ roll is what this record is all about. Their penultimate track “We Could All Die Screaming” has a great dirty riff infused with the lyrics “We could all die screaming, we could all just fade away” recalling the legend that is Neil Young, who said, “It’s better to burn out than to fade away”. This may well be Thomas Wynn and the Believers’ take on that lyric.
Wade Waist Deep is a surprise, it’s heavier than expected, and tracks bring out the memories of bands from the past. The bands and musicians who’ve given their heart and soul to the musical world. Thomas Wynn and the Believers have acknowledged the wealth of musical talent out there, from heavy rock, southern grooves, blues and gospel to deep dark lyrics have proven why these guys are continually voted the best band in Orlando, Florida.
Wade Waist Deep is out on May 19th
Thomas Wynn and the Believers: official | facebook | twitter | instagram