Wozniak Share Debut Album, Courage Reels

Courage Reels, the long-awaited debut album by Wozniak is released on 21 April on Morningside Young Team Records, and the pre-sale started on 7 April. Wozniak have drawn comparisons with the likes of Mogwai, Slowdive and No Joy.  The band shared ‘Perihelion’ from the album in February, and that first taster has built anticipation for their first full-length release. Following the success of their earlier EPs (Pikes Peak, 2014 + Auster, 2015) the four-piece decided to forego gigs in 2016 so that they could concentrate on making their debut album. The result is their most complex and creative collection of songs to date.

Over the nine tracks, the band fully explore their wide-ranging sonic aesthetic, taking inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including the woozy wall of sound of the original shoegaze scene, the relentless drive of krautrock, the pure power of Black Sabbath and the expansive majesty of post-rock. These elements come together to form a sound that is uniquely Wozniak - dense, sweeping soundscapes, with driving drums, fuzzed out bass and a symphony of guitars. Largely instrumental, where Wozniak do include vocals they float over the wall of noise, a gossamer sheen hinting at the turmoil that lies beneath.

Recorded with Craig Ross at the Depot Studios in Edinburgh throughout 2016, the tumultuous events across the world that year crept into the recordings. At times the album howls with rage, at other times it is a sorrowful lament. Themes of loss, shadows and foreboding are woven throughout, yet the album demonstrates Wozniak’s ability to apply light and shade to create a compelling and rewarding experience.

Listen for yourself here

Gigs:

21 April –Nice n Sleazy’s, Glasgow –with Spectres

28 April –Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh –with We Came From the North

The full track listing is:

1.Shader

2.Ghosting

3.Super Panther

4.Perihelion

5.Scottish Dancer

6.Natsuko

7.Erebus

8.Crush

9.Death Suit