After the release of the impressive “A Drop In The Ocean” album, Dorset three-piece The Whitley Lake Band return to pay homage to legends of Rock Iron Maiden. Bruce Dickinson and Co. have recently been on the road playing the whole of the 1986 album Somewhere In Time. One of the singles from the album was the futuristic sounding “Wasted Years” with it’s galloping riffs, massive vocals and soaring guitar solo’s, melted together to create a rich tapestry of pure Classic Metal.
Singer & Guitarist Richie explains “this song always felt that the lyrics could relate to life’s challenges and also the positives that are often staring you in the face. So it began as a song that we play at open-mic nights, also a warm-up at practice with endless jams over the chord progression. Eventually these jams sparked the creation of our own interpretation. Martin adds dynamics with the drums, from soft acoustic beginnings to the thunderous finalé Richie pushes his vocals to build up to the outro instrumental and the whole time Luke pins it all together with a thumping bassline. This has evolved to become a personal live favourite for the band and is often greeted with knowing smiles and singalongs when we perform it”.
The Whitley Lake Band version is quite a departure from the original, with the band seriously putting their own stamp on this Adrian Smith creation. The track is initially virtually unrecognisable from the original, with his gentle acoustic opening and slowed down tempo. I just love the way the track builds and builds with the impressive electric guitar providing the main focus, along with some significant creative rhythms. I’m sure anyone hearing the track will enjoy it, Iron Maiden fan or not. For me it’s a stern reminder that the Mighty Maiden gig in June at the London Stadium is not that far away. If you can’t wait that long you can catch up with The Whitley Lake Band at the Thomas Tripp pub on 27th June, where I’m sure you will get to hear the track in question.
The Whitley Lake Band are
Martin Ramsay – Drums
Richie Adams – Guitar/Vocals
Luke Parnell – Bass
Links
https://thewhitleylakeband.net
https://www.facebook.com/TheWhitleyLakeBand
Review by Dave (Chinners) Chinery
