Weird Owl

Build Your Beast a Fire

Tee Pee Records

B+

Rocks Like: early… Weird Owl

Build Your Beast a Fire

Tee Pee Records

B+

Rocks Like: early Black Sabbath, Jane’s Addiction

Even though it might have a similar sounding name to comical musician Weird Al Yankovic, Weird Owl’s music isn’t parody. Instead, the Brooklyn-based band has a throwback sound, reminiscent of the glory days of rock ‘n’ roll in the late ’60s and early ’70s.

With its sophomore release, Build Your Beast a Fire, Weird Owl serves up its take on ’70s rock, rich with reverb guitar and throbbing vocals. In the vein of bands like Wolfmother and Deer Tick, Weird Owl has turned away from the current trends in indie rock — which tend to be either folk- or electronic-based — and has instead drawn inspiration from the past. Songs like “No Time Nor No Space” and “Two-Headed Brother” would fit perfectly on the soundtracks of “Almost Famous” or “Dazed and Confused.”

While the band claims that Build Your Beast a Fire is “part scientific, part futuristic, part ancient,” it is definitely grounded in vintage rock. The album was produced in part with Justin Pizzoferrato, who has worked with Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth. His influence can immediately be heard and is one of the elements that brings the band’s sound to the present. Otherwise, Weird Owl runs the risk of becoming too much of a throwback. If modern listeners want to hear classic rock, then they’ll listen to the originals.

Although Build Your Beast a Fire does have its issues, it still stands as a testament to Weird Owl’s musical talent. A great soundtrack for road trips or barbecues, this album will undoubtedly become a summer staple.