Heavy Montreal preview: Detroit rockers Wilson fight for the Right to Rise
Wilson - Photo by Joe Gall
Detroit rockers Wilson did not have to look very far for inspiration when it came time to write their sophomore album. “Right to Rise” draws from the perseverance of the inhabitants of Detroit to paint a portrait of survival, determination and guts. “The record is the story of anyone who is struggling in general, and what they have to do in order to get by,” explains vocalist Chad Nicefield. “The title says that we all have the right to find our happiness and grow. You can take our city as an example. You look at it from the outside, hear all of these horror stories, and see so many terrible things. However, when you’re inside, you can see the triumph. You need to make your own way here. No one will respect you otherwise.”
Wilson – Right to Rise
Their music blends in many influences; a little bit of classic rock, a little bit of Black Sabbath, some Alice in Chains, a pinch of more extreme metal, and you blend it all in together to get Wilson. It’s a great rock record that straddles the line between rock and metal with ease, with thundering guitar riffs and a bass that grooves like nobody’s business. Nicefield’s voice has a little grit to it, allowing him to go from clean(ish) to scream(ish). Their first single, “Crave” has a nice little Rob Zombie vibe to it, but to be honest, it’s not even the best song off the album.
It’s funny that while many pundits declare rock to be dead, bands like Wilson are coming out with great records. They may not have a ready path to riches and fame anymore, but they still have the “right to rise”. And again, that’s an attitude that can be traced to their Detroit roots. “Detroit is a city commonly portrayed as the underdog to most of the world. We were discarded by many when the shit hit the fan, but through hard work, passion, and determination we strive to rise again. ‘Right to Rise,’ though written to mirror our beautiful city is a song that we feel encompasses rock ‘n’ roll in the current climate of the industry. It’s for all the underdogs out there with their sleeves rolled up and their blue jeans on.”
This is party music meant to be played loud while people rock the fuck out. And they’ll do just that at Heavy Montreal on Sunday August 9.
Jean-Frédéric also writes for his own site, Diary of a Music Addict
