![]() It took a long time to come together, due especially to McKagan’s aforementioned obligations to Guns N’ Roses, but the wait was rewarded with an extremely listenable album that features four players who work together wonderfully.Īngell’s guitar skill and songwriting aptitude have not gotten as much credit as they deserve. Overall, WP2 is a fitting follow up to Walking Papers’ debut album. With the big realization made, the album fades out slowly to silence. Not to give anything away, but the track is a culmination of themes present throughout the album, and a fitting close to the record. The finale, “Right in Front of Me,” is a brooding, nearly 8-minute Blues song about the slow realization of a truth that has been obvious all along. This is while “King Hooker” writhes and jangles as it describes the life of a street pimp. Then there is the catchy story of “Into the Truth” about the perils of Rock-n-Roll decadence. Additionally, the hook “ I know that you’re lying I just can’t tell/If it’s when you say you love me or when you say I wish you’d go to hell” is another example of Angell’s deft lyrical hand. “I Know You’re Lying” sees Walking Papers return to their Blues Rock roots. The album closes strong, with four songs that would be enough for many bands to build a whole album around. ![]() Highlights include “Before You Arrived,” another opportunity for Anderson to shine on the keyboard, as well as “This is How It Ends” with an interesting storyline while giving McKagan the spotlight. The second half of WP2 continues in the same hard-rocking style. Furthermore, “Look Away” rocks your ears off without ever stopping to take a breath. “Somebody Else” turns the tempo back up to 11 and features Angell’s clever songwriting. For example, “Red & White” is a bluesy, moody affair that tells a sad story. The rest of the first half of the album reveals Walking Papers’ range. With lines like “ they suck on cigarettes like cancer doesn’t exist,” Angell’s observations are simultaneously perceptive and poignant. ![]() Once again, Angell’s clever lyrics are prominent. Here Anderson’s keyboards are given a prominent role in the lead in, a stunning accomplishment considering just how hard the guitar and bass are hitting. Now, after much patience, their sophomore effort is finally here.Ĭonsisting of 13 brand new songs, the album opens with “My Luck Pushed Back,” a driving ballad with a crunchy guitar lead and a rhythm section that demands attention from the start. The second track, “Death on the Lips,” is another scorcher. Why you may ask? Well, unfortunately the members involved in Walking Papers became busy with other obligations for a while, the most obvious is McKagan rejoining Guns N’ Roses and touring the world. That in mind, it is astounding to think WP2 has been put on the back burner as long as it has. Angell is a gifted singer and guitarist with a lot to say and hot licks for days. At last, melodic, hard-rocking Seattle super group Walking Papers return to the scene on Friday, January 19, 2018 with their second album, WP2, courtesy of Loud and Proud Records.įormed back in 2012, for those who may not know, Walking Papers consists of some famous faces, current including Frontman Jefferson Angell, of Missionary Position and Post Stardom Depression Barrett Martin, the drummer who first rose to prominence with Seattle legends Screaming Trees Benjamin Anderson of Missionary Position,who provides keys/vocals as well as Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan, the hardest-working and most recognizable bassist in Rock-n-Roll.Ī long overdue return, while their 2013 self-titled debut album relied heavily on Blues-oriented riffs and Angell’s catchy lyrics, WP2 has evolved into a heavier, yet still very listenable affair.
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