The Alternate Root - Discover Roots & Americana Music
  • Home
  • Top Ten
  • It's All Music Radio
  • Latest Videos
  • All Reviews
  • Breaking Thru
  • Who's Playing Near Me?
  • Seen & Heard
    • Advertise With Us
    • Removal of Content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Top 50 Albums 2022
  • Top Ten
The Category Navigation Widget will appear here on the live site.

The Alternate Root

Listen To Our Top 10

All Reviews archive

Brought to You From Our Alt Root Writers

The Breadcrumbs Widget will appear here on the live site.

4/1/2023

0 Comments

 

Wilder Woods (from the album Fever/Sky

Picture
Wilder Woods from the album FEVER/SKY

Wilder Woods (from the album FEVER/SKY on Dalton Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)

Wilder Woods, the alter ego for Bear Rinehart, otherwise known as the frontman for the band NEEDTOBREATHE, opts for a hiatus from his day job and a decidedly change of tone with a new solo album that takes him well beyond the realms of his regular gig. As such, it represents a significant departure that allows him to explore his own possibilities without being tied to his band’s general dynamic.

That said, the emotive overtones aren’t altogether unexpected. NEEDTOBREATHE is a stirring ensemble after all, and  FEVER/SKY suggests that Woods still had those impulses to draw from even while going out on his own. The overarched ballad “Heartland,” the assertive rocker “Criminal,” the dramatic delivery given “Wish It Was Mine,” and the determined drive that propels “Get It Back” all suggest that Woods used the opportunity afforded by the isolation forced by the pandemic to exorcise some personal priorities. It’s not all angst-infused however; the upbeat and effusive “Maestro (Tears Don’ Lie)” and the soulful strut that informs “Be Yourself” show that he has both the drive and desire to connect with an audience all on his own.

If anything,  FEVER/SKY is a mostly accessible album, one that conforms to a modern rock template. The agitated and somewhat intense “Be the Man” and the dramatic delivery afforded “Death of Me” prove the point, each being examples of a conventional arena anthem.  Woods has enough intensity and agitation to stir the senses and in that regard, grab attention, even at the outset.

Given that emphatic impression, one has to wonder if  FEVER/SKY is merely a momentary detour or part of a continuing pursuit destined to take him further from his band buddies while giving him the additional encouragement needed to go solo full-time. Only time will tell of course, but in the meantime, Woods/Rinehart clearly shows all the confidence needed to go wherever his muse may lead him. (By Lee Zimmerman)


The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
Tags:
0 Comments
The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.

You Might Also Like

First Last



Leave a Reply.

Picture

    subscribe to our newsletter

Submit

To submit music, please mail a copy of your CD to the following address:
Danny McCloskey
The Alternate Root
1717 East Vista Chino
Ste A7 PMB 302
Palm Springs, CA 92262

Contact Us

    we do not share email addresses

Submit

©2021 The Alternate Root All Rights Reserved
website by Jim Cortez jctez12@gmail.com
  • Home
  • Top Ten
  • It's All Music Radio
  • Latest Videos
  • All Reviews
  • Breaking Thru
  • Who's Playing Near Me?
  • Seen & Heard
    • Advertise With Us
    • Removal of Content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Top 50 Albums 2022
  • Top Ten