Review by Ted Darden
Wolfgang Van Halen has a lot to live up to, being the son of the late Eddie Van Halen. Rather than just mastering the guitar, the instrument his old man is famous for, he decided to tackle the bass and drums as well. For his album, Mammoth, he not only writes all the songs, but plays all the instruments as well. Sure, he may have foregone the comradery of musical collaboration, but think of the money saved on production. Young mister Wolfgang has shown a talent at studio work, making us feel as though we are listening to four musicians, and he even provides vocal harmonies.
Wolfgang has quite the voice, smooth, upbeat, and quite versatile. “Mr. Ed” (not the horse, of course) is what you would hope for in an opening track, quick, energetic, and with guitar that reminds you whose son he is. There are times, listening to this album, that it feels as though he could have cut a few of the tracks out, as there is a small amount of repetition. Wolfgang is an extremely talented musician, with that there could have been a little more variation in the instrumentals, as there aren’t enough occasions when he really shines with one particular instrument. This doesn’t make up the entire album, however, for example, “Feel” provides one of the best baselines I’ve heard in years, reminding me of his stint in Van Halen. The drumming in “Feel” is also powerful, making it one for the rhythm section. “Resolve” is the first time we hear something really different. Wolfgang exhibits a little sensitivity and slows the tempo down a bit for a heartfelt song that shows there is more to the musician than meets the eye… or ear. Can you call rhythm in a one-man band a section? “Distance” was an excellent addition to the album, providing a change of pace that is beneficial to the Hard Rocker’s solo album. It is here that we hear Wolfgang step outside his comfort zone, and it pays off. His voice sounds open and vulnerable, while his guitar playing is something that is different than anything his father would have ever played, and something he would have been immensely proud of.
It’s no easy task following in the footsteps of such an icon as Eddie Van Halen, heck most children wouldn’t even attempt it. Wolfgang on the other hand took the challenge head-on and the music world is a better place because of it. After listening to Mammoth there is no question that the Van Halen legacy is in great hands. You can pick up Wolfgang Van Halen’s debut now and catch them on tour with Guns N Roses.
