During their years together from 1992 to 1998, Wanderlust had a chart-topping single “I Walked,” opened for The Who, andwere critically acclaimed by the London Sunday Times, declaring the album ‘Prize” “one of the greatest rock records of all time.
Wanderlust returned to the studio this year and recorded an 11 song album packed with gems! I talked with Rob Bonfiglio and Scot Sax, the band’s two main songwriter-musicians. We talk about the band’s history and how this new LP came about.
Wanderlust “Record Time”
The reunited Scot Sax and Rob Bonfiglio bring back this classic 90’s power pop outfit into the spotlight. “Lou Reed” displays the grit and melodic riffs that got them noticed in the first place. Sax and Bonfiglio look back wistfully in “Blow Away” and brings some Raspberries nostalgia on the brilliant “Friend Tonight.”
The album’s theme is no doubt autobiographical, “Fork In The Road,” “Easy Street” and my favorite here, “We Need A Drummer” could be the soundtrack to a rock musical. The song starts slow, then builds to a Cheap Trick styled guitar and keyboard attack… “We need a drummer or this band will suck!” A Ziggy Stardust gospel number “Illuminate” is another sweet tune. The last few tracks don’t quite stick, but it’s worth celebrating another rock reunion – dig in and enjoy it.
Dan Miraldi “Sugar & Adrenaline”
Cleveland rocker Miraldi (Silver Liners) has followed up his 2009 EP , with a pretty good full length album. The improvement in songwriting and vocals are noticeable on “Now Is The Right Time” and “Road Warrior.” A few missteps, like the faux hair metal “Few Rock Harder” and “Revenge” didn’t work for me. But enough does, like the Cars styled “Record Collection” and sneering chorus of “Vampire Girl” bring to mind Tears for Fears. Give it try if your tastes are more the classic rock genre.
