Remember when rock felt like a risky escapade, full of raw edge and visceral thrills? Those days seem to have faded into the background, overshadowed by the polished sheen of Swifties, the dominance of hip-hop, and the quantized precision that often leaves emotion by the wayside. Enter Wht.rbbt.obj with their latest offering, “Romeo Bravo Bravo Tango,” a refreshing throwback to that gritty spirit.
Across five tracks, Wht.rbbt.obj navigates the raw terrain with songs like “Your Love’s a Crime,” “Heavy Petting,” “The Ballad of Kitty Collins,” “White Rabbit Black Sheep,” and “Dirty Love.” Each cut is a concentrated burst of energy, honing a sound that recalls the urgency of Iggy Pop and the Buzzcocks. The vocal performance here is so charged that it’s easy to overlook the seamless interplay among the instruments.
The rhythm section lays a solid foundation, driving the songs forward with relentless momentum. Meanwhile, the organ and guitars weave in and out, creating an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the gritty, raw feel. Several tracks boast melodies that linger long after the music stops, the kind that creep into your daily routine until you’re humming them in the shower.
It’s a testament to the band’s knack for crafting rock songs that are as memorable and inviting as any pop tune. Wht.rbbt.obj is the kind of band you dream of discovering in an intimate venue like The Empty Bottle or The Cutting Room, where the barrier between audience and performer dissolves into a shared, electrifying experience. “Romeo Bravo Bravo Tango” is a testament to their ability to rekindle the dangerous allure of rock in an era that sorely needs it.