Wild May West EP
- johnaalex
- May 6, 2025
- 3 min read
Wild May West EP
May West
Released 2024
Record Label: 8289364 Records DK
Reviewed April ’25
Dutch Rock’n’Roller May West treats us with a new 6 track EP delivering a mix of covers and original tracks performed with a bit of Jazz, a bit of country, a bit of blues and a whole lot of Rock’n’Roll
Band Members:
Marja: Vocals
Peter: Double Bass
Rene: Guitar
Rick: Drums
Track 1: CLOSE TO YOU
With so many great classic cover songs on the EP it could be regarded as a bold if not a risky move to open up your latest release with an original composition……… Not in this case, Close to you is a slick, sleazy and very catchy song that introduces us to what the May West sound is all about. It is not over-orchestrated and the structure is not over complicated, the result is impressive and very listenable. As I always do when I hear something special, listen out for the fantastic guitar solo mid-way through.
Track 2: JUST ONE MORE TIME
Just One More Time is a catchy song which sticks to tradition and again May West does not fall into the trap that so many bands do by adding too many tracks to a song. This is good old traditional Rock and Roll that is delivered in the way that it should be delivered.
Track 3: LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
Let The Good Times Roll is a rework of the JD McPherson song and a very good reworking. May West’s version adds more of a country feel than the original mainly due to the Southern sounding lyrics delivered by Marja. The drumming also adds to this effective transition by dropping the original shuffle beat, this works really well and the result is a fabulous sounding version of a great song.
Track 4: STILL YOU LEFT ME
Still You Left Me is a bit grittier than the first 3 songs on the EP showing a range of versatility by the band. With a driving shuffle guitar and Marja’s menacing vocals the song (although lamenting a relationship breakup) is quick, fun and very, very infectious. This is my favourite on the EP.
Track 5: TAINTED LOVE
With so many versions of Tainted Love out there I started listening to this with a little hesitation, unsure what approach the band will have taken in recording this. This is a great version not dis-similar to Imelda Mae’s version however they still manage to put their own stamp on the song with some very nice original touches added.
Track 6: TRAIN KEPT A ROLLIN’
The Train Kept A Rollin’ is an old favourite of mine and so I was excited to see it on the track listing. Right from the start you can tell that this is going to be different. May West stick to the original structure but deliver it in their own way and it sounds great. I will be listening to this version again and again in the future. Look out for the subtle lyrical changes here and there.
SUMMARY:
This is a great EP 6 great songs that will leave you feeling good and wanting more. The different genres are subtly blended into the songs without confusing the overall sound of the band. I genuinely hope that we are treated to a full album in the not too distant future.
Reviewed by: Cal Ross
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