Review: Wille & The Bandits When The World Stood Still

Wille & The Bandits

By Mike O’Cull

Boundary-blasting UK roots rockers Wille & The Bandits continue to dish out their exceptionally creative and artistically fulfilling jams on the group’s fifth studio platter When The World Stood Still. Scheduled to impact January 28, 2022 on Fat Toad Records, the record was born out of mandatory pandemic down time and feels like a stylized chronicle of the last two years.

Already considered one of Europe’s most original current bands, WATB went on a Covid-inspired songwriting binge and wound up with a pack of anthems destined to resonate with all of those stuck in a time no one could have been ready for. Even cooler, the set is a crowdsourced effort that was tracked in one of Britain’s most famous hit-making facilities, the legendary Sawmills Studio, where stars including Robert Plant, Oasis, Stone Roses, Muse, and Supergrass have done groundbreaking work. Co-produced by the band and Sawmills honcho John Cornfield, When The World Stood Still is an obvious high-water mark from an already-distinguished group with a gleaming future.

Wille & The Bandits are a highly charged, critically acclaimed outfit hailing from Cornwall that many feel are redefining the meaning of roots rock for a new generation of listeners. They’re considered one of Europe’s finest live bands and have taken their show around the world, appeared at the London Olympics, and built a solid reputation as stage-takers and heartbreakers. Band members Wille Edwards (lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, dobro, electric lap steel), Harry Mackaill (backing vocals, bass guitar, synthesizer), Matthew Gallagher (Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes, piano, Mellotron, guitar, backing vocals), and Tom Gilkes (drums and percussion) are an unforgettable, expressive unit that’s keeping roots music switched on and relevant to the days we’re all living. They’re the kind of band that scenes grow around organically. When The World Stood Still is their follow up to Paths (2019.)

The set opens with the amazing “Caught In The Middle,” a kinetic, dynamic cut that uses hip-hop, folk, and rock influences to address the political unrest and lack of identity the UK faces as it strives to once again become a global power. It has a big riff that’s good as gold, intelligent verses, and an explosive chorus that punches hard. This level of stylistic integration is par for the course with this lot and they make it all seem perfectly natural. Wille’s guitar work is sweet, slashing, and bold and his vocals are truly arena-worthy. If you had to introduce this band to a new listener, this would be a great place to start because it captures the band’s skills and attitude perfectly.

Watch “Will We Ever”

“Good Stuff” is a driving rock song with a hit-single chorus and the smoky flavor of Wille’s killer slide guitar playing. It builds up quite a boiler full of steam as it rolls along, maintaining a balance of lead vocals, backups, and crunching guitars that makes it pure ear candy for the loud crowd. If that’s you, get ready to stand up and sing.

“When The World Stood Still” is a soulful ballad about the early weeks of the pandemic lockdown when it seemed like nature might take the planet back from us. It showcases the gentle side of the group and features Wille playing some gorgeous dobro lines. It’s acoustic music with a spirit-fueled heart and will quickly win you over. Other winners on When The World Stood Still include the hard funk/rock of “Move Too Fast,” the forceful “Daylight,” and “Refuge,” a protest song for musicians struggling to live through Covid with little help. Wille & The Bandits have crafted an outstanding record that hits hard and speaks frankly to everyone fortunate enough to listen to it. These guys are about to blow up, so get in on the party.