The Wildhearts – Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts
Release Date: 7th March 2025
Label: Snakefarm
Order/Stream
Genre: Hard Rock
FFO: Terrorvision, The Almighty, Baby Chaos.
Review By: Paul Cairney
In 2022, a curious message was released by The Wildhearts camp stating that the band had gone on ‘indefinite hiatus’. For those of us well-versed in ‘Wildheartian’ lore, this was probably not unexpected – if medals were given out for being a fan of a particular band, then Wildhearts fans should be top of the queue.
Let us address the elephant in the room. There are those who say that ‘this is not The Wildhearts’, as Ginger has put together a new band. Random Jon Poole returns on bass (note returns) and he is joined by Ben Marsden on guitar and Pontus Snib on drums. To those who argue against this being The Wildhearts, my question to you is ‘Who is your Wildhearts?’, after all, there have been many versions of the band across their formation in 1989!
To the album. This is seriously good. I was, however, initially unimpressed on my first listen.
This changed immediately on my 2nd listen. I found myself singing along to the opening track, ‘Eventually’. How is this possible after one listen? Perhaps it is because Ginger can write hooks in his sleep. The chorus bounces and the riffs entrance – it is a classic Wildhearts opening track.
Then you are hit with a punky number in ‘Scared of Glass’. This is where the rest of the band demonstrate their vocal chops, with a gang-style vocals that support Ginger’s distinctive drawl. It bounces along like an over-energetic Duracell Bunny.
‘Troubadour Moon’ is a track I was familiar with, being the 2nd single. Again, it wasn’t immediate when I first heard it, but in the context of the album, it sits there secure in the knowledge that you will sing along like a canary. Well-placed within the 10 track album, it settles the album down and Satanic Rites…begins to flex its considerable muscle.
‘Fire in the Cheap Seats’ is a heavy number. ‘Kunce’ sees the band railing against things that piss them off, think ‘Get in the Ring’ by GnR, but with a pretend swear word as the title. ‘Maintain Radio Silence’ invokes a Cardiacs memory, but with a harsher vocal. Was this a Random Jon Poole influence, or just Ginger’s love for the band?
The rest of Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts basically just slaps you about with unapologetic ease, with the exception of ‘Hurt People, Hurt People’. This is probably the least ‘Wildheartian’ track on the album, but is possibly the most Ginger track. Heartfelt, poignant and cathartic, it is the expression of his inner-self.
Ginger has stated his love for this album, and so he should. It is well written, has bouncy choruses, catchy riffs, it’s varied and utterly enjoyable throughout. It even has a sexy sax solo by Jørgen Munkeby of Shining fame on ‘I’ll be Your Monster’.
It may not be ‘your’ Wildhearts, but this is The Wildhearts in 2025, and I can’t wait for my red vinyl to arrive on its release.
Long Live The Wildhearts, whoever they may be!
(5 / 5)
