What is the Hidden Hand?
Web They Weave | 06/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought both Hidden Hand CDs on a gut feeling, hadn't heard of Wino's other great bands, nothing. I had heard praise of Wino, saying he played the bass like a Giant, and the description couldn't be more apt.
Those who find the music depressing are misinterpreting it, I believe. From his view, its just a sad story he has to tell, but there is a lot of hope. Maybe that comes out more in the follow up album, but they are both great.
As for " a totalitarian police state" being hinted at, yes, he is talking about conspiracy. But he is talking about every day citizens becoming the sheep-herders, the society that polices itself, without realizing it.
The title of the album itself refers to the use of religion in the control of the masses, "We've heard it all before, all the lies and even more." Goes the song "Screw the Naysayers"
Don't judge this CD by the first track (all the rest are great), or by those who think it is pessimistic.
"Hidden Hand is here to stay""
Keep that bass player away from the mic.
Wilbur Whateley | Dunwich, Mass. | 04/30/2004
(2 out of 5 stars)
"As a bassist I feel safe in saying that it is generally an ominous sign for a band when the bassist wants to start singing. There are certainly exceptions to the rule (ie. Motorhead) but it should be noted that the last album that the great Spirit Caravan (Wino's last band) released was the first one where they finally gave in and let the bassist sing a song - and then the band broke up! I mean, with the greatest voice in stoner/doom in the band, what on earth is this competent bassist with an extremely average voice doing singing most of the songs? IN additon, his lyrics are kinda hokey and awkward sounding forced rhymes abound. The music is still heavy and crunchy and the guitar playing is awesome. It's still a Wino project and worth having but the band's eagerness to get their message across seems to result in the music simply being a dressing for the message rather than something that forms a synergy with it and enhances it. Without Wino's guitar solos and his occasional vocals, this disc could easily be indistinguishable from a thousand other heavy bands we've all heard screaming about government mind control and the healing power of organic foods. It's a righteous message for these times, but the Dead Kennedys did it far, far better."
Another awesome wino album
J. Chambers | canada | 03/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this album rocks a must have for the wino fans out there......"
