Album Review ~ Sick Puppies ~ 'Wave The Bull'

The Australian band Sick Puppies have been a main stay of the alt rock scene since the late 90’s. Formed by singer Shimon Moore and bassist Emma Anzai, they released their first studio album, Welcome to the Real World, in 2001. They’ve since moved to Los Angeles and have dealt with losing a founding member of the band. Shimon Moore departed in 2014, and Bryan Scott took over. Their newest album, Wave The Bull, is the second under the new line up, and is sure to be a favorite amount the band’s loyal following.

Wave The Bull, takes a bit of a different approach to things. In the information that came with the preview, there is a definition that sets the tone for the album. To “wave the bull” is to “provoke, embrace and surrender to the battles that will inevitably scar us-a battle cry for the emotional masochist. Antagonizing adversity, afraid of nothing.” Reading this while listening to the album, I was invested even more, as I’m one who tends to emotionally listen to my music. Each song has its place in this philosophy and is color coded. Without giving away too much, guide sets out what the colors mean, placing each song into one of three themes. These themes arise from how the band has reflected on their journey to success, and how it’s affected them. This new vision of what a concept album can deliver, shows how the band has evolved over the years, perfecting their sound.

The song “Hurricane” fits into the second chapter / theme of the album, The Fight. In the first introductory sounds are so chaotic, you can almost feel it. It almost feels like an auditory illustration of life’s struggles. The edgy, anger fueled music fits well in this theme. In the description, it says this theme is the battlefield of life, and the self-reflection that comes with it. The sharp electronic introduction feels like entering the eye of the storm, weapons at the ready. “Creature” is in the same chapter, with the lyrics being the strongpoint of this one. The battle here, is within. “At the edge, I’ve kept it in until now/ I’m afraid it’s too late, I feel it coming out / Rage that won’t subside, eating me alive.” You can feel that battle with every word, as you hang on each word, wondering what’s next.

The third chapter/ theme is The Aftermath, the emotions after the struggles of life. The song “Going Places” is perfect for illustrating how we should feel after tackling all that life can throw at us. It’s almost a cathartic FU to the world, acknowledging life sucks, but there’s something better on the other side. “I’m on the brink of letting go, and takin’ my ass down to Mexico / When will I be back? Man, I don’t even know/ But if you wanna know more, I might just leave a note.” It’s such a fun song, expressing the joy of taking action, and accomplishing the task.

The struggles in life are real, and it’s always best to learn from each battle. With Wave The Bull, the band members have put everything out there. Their reflection on the journey they embarked on in 1997, has brought them to a high point in their career. On March 28, when this album drops, the next chapter of their existence will begin.

I’m Music Magazine Photographer/Writer Michele Hancock