Review: Wolfgang Van Halen Forging His Own Path with Mammoth WVH Self-Titled Debut Album
- by Harley Houghton
- in Reviews
It is not only tempting to compare Mammoth WFV's debut album to Van Halen's work; it is almost impossible not to. Much as you are going to want to listen to this with an open mind, from the opening riffs of the very first track "Mr. Ed," the homages to Wolfgang's late, great father are everywhere.
But what is pleasantly surprising is that these tributes are not copies. Wolfgang is not trying to be his father. Yes, he is following in his dad's footsteps, but also making his own clear path as he does so. Rather, what he is doing is taking a lifetime of loving music and receiving beautiful inspiration and turning it into something truly original.
Mammoth WFV has its own distinct sound; a far cry from the seemingly party driven Van Halen anthems. The music is primarily emotive, inciting deep feelings, and yet no two tracks feel the same. There is wonderful diversity on this album; a testament to a willingness to explore different sounds and themes in music.
Primarily, this is a heavy rock album. So, it is laden with catchy riffs, strong bass lines, and an element of groove that gets your head nodding and feet tapping. But listen closer and you will hear far more than just a typical heavy rock album. You will also hear softer rock, and even pop style tracks. But above all else, you will hear genuine emotion and incredible talent from a young man who has clearly worked hard to create his album.
Wolfgang plays all the instruments and provides the vocals, a testament to his skill and sense of deep ownership of this project. He pours so much of himself into this work, and far more than just musically. You could be forgiven for thinking we are seeing a glimpse of his soul when listening.
His choice of the name Mammoth WVH is no accident. As every Van Halen fan will know, and as Wolfgang himself reminded us in a recent interview for NPR, Mammoth was the name of his father, Eddie Van Halen's band before it ultimately became Van Halen.
"When my dad had a band before Van Halen, it was called Mammoth. It was a three-piece band where he sung. So, I always loved that name whenever he would tell me that story. So, I always told myself that when I grew up, I'd name my own album and my own band."
Eddie Van Halen tragically passed away last October, with Wolfgang paying tribute to his father in the touching track "Distance," which is included as bonus track on the album. Eddie heard the tracks before he passed, being an avid fan of Wolfgang's music and citing "Think It Over" as his favourite.
Eddie may be gone, but the Van Halen legacy lives on through Wolfgang. The Mammoth WVH debut album is brimming with inspiration from his father, yet still manages to be a unique and impressive piece of work in its own right. Check this one out today.
