Once in a blue moon does a band come barreling onto the music scene that makes every person who hears them go, “If Heaven had an in house band, it would be these guys”. Joyous Wolf is a once in a blue moon band, no-foolin’. The band’s debut EP, A Place In Time (Roadrunner Records), is proof positive that Rock and Roll is not just alive and well, it is kicking ass and taking names.

The 7 track Ep opens with ‘Had Enough’, a Blues infused little ditty that absolutely will crawl into your gray matter and set up camp. The magic in this song comes not from the lyrics, but from the delivery of them by frontman, Nick Reese. Reese possesses a rare multifaceted vocal tone that conveys the very spirit of the song. ‘Quiet Heart’, the second track, is a robust frontal lobe assault choke full of tasty drum licks and fills by drummer Robert Sodaro. Track number 3 spins the vibe of the album back to a tasty rockin’ blues vibe. A delicious offering sprinkled with innuendo and sex appeal. ‘Place In Time’, the fourth track, continues on with the rockin’ blues vibe of the previous track with a bonus groovy riff driven flare.

Every album has a song one could label as a showstopper. ‘Feel The Low’ is this album’s show stopper. I was completely entranced by this song from the very moment the warm tone’s of guitarist Blake Allard’s arpeggio filled my headphones. Raw and vulnerable, the song seems to bloom with the passing of each measure, becoming an all-encompassing statement of longing and hope. ‘Mother Rebel’, the second to last track, unfolds into a lyrically complex swansong of rebellion brimming with on-point slide guitar. The final track, ‘Undesired’ is a testament of the synchronicity this band has developed. Bassist Greg Braccio unquestionably shines, delivering a commanding rhythm line that borders on genius.

To recap, A Place In Time is pure Rock And Roll joyride, plain and simple. I implore you to make this band part of your life, post haste.

8 / 10

SKULLGURL METALCHICK