Single/Video Review: Twisted Fool

Rehaab will tell you that they’re a “Stoner funk psychedelic blues rock eight-armed animal” of a band, and I see no reason to disagree. In fact, having checked out the video to new single Twisted Fool, I’d have to say that’s a pretty accurate description

A darkly suggestive little riff from guitarist Mutt kicks things into gear, with the engine room of drummer Grant and bassist Larry not far behind, laying down a superbly solid, stonkin’ blues rock groove. Vocalist Roy uses a strong, soulful voice to start telling a tale drawn from listening to an acquaintance, whose checkered past provides ample fodder for lyrics of a life steering off in a dangerously wrong direction.

The video plays with the concept of secretive government agencies, and ensnaring computer hackers by covertly employing them for their illicit skills, only to blackmail them with the results. Shadowy shots of a hooded figure, furtively working away until “ACCESS GRANTED” finally appears; shady, faceless suits exchanging  a briefcase for a wad of cash; the hacker’s sense of isolation and fear after the deal has gone down compounded by foreboding clouds; the final sequence as an arrest is made and a figure in an “Anonymous” mask gestures a triumphant “gotcha!” at the screen.

All this imagery ably accompanied by Rehaab’s well-rounded rock. This group of seasoned pros each have their own impressive list of past projects that have brought them to where they are today. The rhythm section is right on the money, with Larry slipping in some slinky little bass runs as the song progresses. Mutt treats the song to a searing guitar solo of taste and skill, and when Roy moves the vocal line to his upper register, the power dynamic of the song shifts yet again. The structure of the song has some interesting shifts that definitely lift it out of a straight blues-rock feel, whilst still being accessible, and very danceable.

Twisted Fool deserves to be played loud. Careful, though, it’ll make you a twisting fool… and you never know WHO might be watching.