Album review: Wang Dang Delta "Delta Road"

Jul 29 2008 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

CLASSY sounds prevail on the second album from Perth’s own Wang Dang Delta.

Anyone not familiar with the Fair City six-piece’s output is in for a pleasant surprise on hearing Delta Road.

Putting the band's somewhat wacky name to one side, the Wangs prove themselves to be a sophisticated proposition with the emphasis on soul as much as their oft-repeated devotion to all things blues.

Silky smooth album opener Well Runs Dry recalls Average White Band and Steely Dan, and sets the tone for what follows.

With lead guitarist Pete Caban setting a carefully controlled pace with some finely honed melodies and solos, the band touch on funk and jazz in an enjoyable set that makes for perfect late-night listening.

Vocalist and main songwriter Ian McLaren impresses with his refined croon, while Pete Nicol (bass), Pim Pirnie (drums) and Alan Sutherland (keyboards) can all be heard playing effective parts in a crystal clear production job developed at Dunkeld’s Butterstone Studio last winter.

Key to the Wangs' fluid style, and the real revelation on here, is harmonica player Jim Harcus, whose work brings an inventive and lively edge throughout the laid back proceedings.

The 11-track album will appeal to fans of most musical genres and is sure to boost WDD's prospects of making a commercial breakthrough.

Andrew Welsh