Philadelphia’s Webbed Wing has created one of the riffiest albums of the year with their third full-length, the aptly titled Vol. III.  The three-piece band was formed in 2017 by Superheaven members Taylor Madison and Jake Clarke after Superheaven stopped being a full-time project and Webbed Wing shows no signs of slowing.  Madison is the vocalist and guitarist of Webbed Wing while Clarke is the drummer.  They are joined by Mike Paulshock on bass who has no involvementin Superheaven.

Vol. III begins with the fantastic co-lead single Further, which sets the tone for this album very nicely.  At just over three minutes in length it’s surprisingly one of the longest songs on the album.  It’s a bit grungy and is definitely a song that fans of ‘90s alt rock will enjoy.

Second track Tortuga features an absolutely killer riff that may be the best on an album chock-full of them.  This riff brings to mind ‘90s and early ‘00s Weezer and cements this track as one of the album’s highlights.  Spiritual Cramp’s guitarist Nate Punty is featured on this track and is responsible for the excellent guitar solo.

Before going any further, it must be said that this album sounds fantastic.   This album was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by the legendary Will Yip who has also worked with Webbed Wing (and Superheaven) in the past.  The band nails the alt rock sound they are going for and Will Yip is no doubt a large reason why.

A friend described the other co-lead single Burn It Down as “just Closing Time by Semisonic slowed down” and honestly that’s about as perfect of a description as there can be for this song.  This was a smart choice to release at the same time as Further because it showcases a more power pop side to the band.

Several tracks in the middle of this album feature some unique choices.  Hero’s Death is one of the slowest songs on the album and the piano and organ in the song make it stand out from the pack.  Change Me is a catchy song with a memorable chorus but will certainly be most remembered by the whistling in the song.  I Shared a Cell is one of the shortest songs on the album at an even two minutes but makes good use of the piano and organ similarly to Hero’s Death.  The style of this song stands out as there is more storytelling in the lyrics than the other songs.

The next two tracks Take It From Me and Where Mortal Men Dare Not Tread seems like the band is just showing off.  These two songs have incredible riffs and for them to be buried in deep cuts speaks to the strength of this album.  Take It From Me is in contention for best song on the album and Where Mortal Men Dare Not Tread is an instrumental that flexes its muscles for each of its 90 seconds.

The closing track My Front Door feels like a closing track – not only is it the “long” song on the album at 3:43 but lyrically it is fitting as well as it expresses feelings we have all felt.  “It’s like I’m always on my own/It’s my choice/It’s just so lonely” and “Feel disconnected from the conversations now” are lines that listeners are sure to relate to and ponder after the album is over.  

Fans of ‘90s alt rock, albums produced by Will Yip, and bands including Superheaven and Militarie Gun will all certainly find something to love here.  There is not an ounce of fat on Vol. III and at only ten tracks and just shy of 27 minutes in length, it is over in a flash and will leave fans clamoring for Vol. IV.  

Rating: 8.5/10

Release Date: July 12, 2024

Tracklisting:

1) Further

2) Tortuga

3) Burn It Down

4) So It Goes

5) Hero’s Death

6) Change Me

7) I Shared a Cell

8) Take It From Me

9) Where Mortal Men Dare Not Tread

10) My Front Door

Reviewed by Andrew Bachna