Winger Karma
by Derric Miller
Staff Writer
The Melodic Rock industry experienced a welcome shock to the system when Winger reformed and released IV back in 2006. For many who hoped for “Madalaine” and “Heading for a Heartbreak,” though, they instead were jolted by “Right Up Ahead” or “M16,” technically adept but more thought-provoking and heavier music than Hair Metal typically conveys. The new studio release, Karma, intertwines the best of what Winger does best, and stands up to Pull, the band’s internal measuring stick.
Always more musically talented than the industry would credit them for, Karma begins with a bluesy yet gritty riff-fest on “Deal With the Devil.” Bassist/singer Kip Winger’s vocals used to be thinner, but his vocal chords have grown his trademark stubble, because his singing is more mature, grittier, meaner, yet the range and melody is omnipresent. Simply put, the guy can wail. Guitarist Reb Beach needs little background, because he’s been an innovative and sought after guitarist since their first release; he is still amazing. All in all, “Deal With the Devil” is a look back on where they came from, selling your soul to “make it,” and it rocks.
“Big World Away” probably best defines Winger’s current musical makeup. The opening verse is supported by down-tuned riffs, near shouting vocals from Kip, and very little perceptible melody. Then the chorus smacks you upside your head, Kip’s vocals soaring on the refrain, “We’re like night and day, one big world away.” The jarring vocal rhythms make this possibly Kip’s angriest vocals ever, reminding you sometimes need to expect the unexpected.
“Pull Me Under” is a classic Heavy Metal track, with nearly NWOBHM riffs at times, but then it slides into more mainstream Hard Rock once the vocals start. In a live setting, this is one of those energized songs that the crowd would gnaw off of.
Never fear, though, because there are some mid-tempo songs. The first is “Always Within Me,” a dreamy, keyboard driven composition, with Kip taking the edge off his voice and allowing it to flow naked above the music. Like “In the Day We’ll Never See,” it’s got a bit of that timelessness to it. Drummer Rod Morgenstein shines strongest on mid-tempo tracks; it’s easy to stand out when just blasting away, but you can feel his deft touch on these types of tracks.
You wouldn’t probably expect a bluesy ballad, but you get that on “After All This Time.” It could be an ode to Kip’s fallen wife, but not ONLY for her, as Kip pours pure emotion into his delivery, perhaps singing more expertly than he’s ever done before. It’s chilling, hearing, “I still need you, still believe in you, after all this time …” The sorrowful guitar leads attack from a different direction, a one-two punch to the heart and head in conjunction with Kip’s funereal and emotional melodies. “I still need you, I still believe, after all this time, your love still feels right …” (Note: After reading this review, Kip checked in with Hardrock Haven and explained this song is about his current wife of 9 years.)
Unless you have the bonus track, Karma’s last track is “Witness.” The longest song on Karma, “Witness” begins with more moody keys and is another tale of relationships. “You see the sun go down, the emptiness surrounds you; you only know the war inside your head.” While it doesn’t seem like it, “Witness” is uplifting, a call to action, of not letting life keep you down. While most of the choruses on Karma carve a spot into your memory instantly, this one should make the more Hair Metal fans giddy. Beach’s solo at the end is furious and more Metal than you would expect from 20 years ago.
Winger may be misunderstood, and Kip will probably always have a chip on his shoulder, but when that happens, you get Karma. The solos, the drum fills, the guitar leads, even Kip’s bass playing … it’s a cumulative level of musicianship bands like Warrant or Poison could never pull off. So why is Winger lumped in with them? That’s an argument for another day, and if Winger keeps making top-shelf music like this, it’s an argument they’ll never lose.
Label: Frontiers Records
Track listing:
1. Deal With The Devil
2. Stone Cold Killer
3. Big World Away
4. Come A Little Closer
5. Pull Me Under
6. Supernova
7. Always Within Me
8. Feeding Frenzy
9. After All This Time
10. Witness
11. First Ending (Bonus Track)
HRH Rating: 8.2/10