Originally a cover band, New Jersey rockers Who On Earth transitioned to recording original music during the 2020 pandemic and haven’t looked back. Drawing inspiration from many classic acts, the band’s second independently released full-length album, It Takes the Village, is another powerful, riff-heavy slab of hard rock/heavy metal that wears its influences proudly on its sleeve.

Photo credit: Andrzej Liguz

“Vigilance” kicks things off in a big way, a powerful opener driven by drums and groove-filled riffs, and the deep, strong tones of frontman Coosh (aka Andrew Couch). Single “Any Other Way” arrives next, a revised and rearranged version of ‘Black Swan’ from their debut, the song possesses a belligerent mid-paced stomp driven by big riffs and even bigger drums, sticksman Howie Fallon already working overtime.

‘Shadows” follows with a laid-back crunch and echoes of Dio-era Rainbow, some parts sounding like a heavy-ass version of Rush, while “Good Man Down” delivers a slow, thunderous groove. Working as a segue into the nineties-heavy rock stylings of “Too Close,” the short instrumental “Closer” is made up of simple riffs that allow Pete Rizzi to show off his impressive bass skills.

By now, it should be clear that guitarists Johnny James Barone and Jimmy Kocha know their way around a riff or ten, and “Double or Nothing” is another prime example, the song combining Paul Di’Anno’s run with Iron Maiden with Van Halen among others. “Monster!” is a heads-down rocker with hints of Soundgarden, while “Oh, Set Me Free” is total Black Sabbath worship with a surging groove, and “We Don’t Belong Here” is just hefty as all fuck.

“Ascension” hits with cinematic strings and choral singing like something from an epic historical movie, probably directed by Ridley Scott, the classical interlude serving as the intro to closing track “The Unbeaten,” another reworked and revitalised older song. Bonus tracks include the laid-back and loose “Jane,” a DVRKO remix of “Down and Out,” and an extended version of “Vigilance” featuring a guest guitar spot from producer Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), and drummer Jason Bittner of Shadows Fall.

From classic riffs to nineties Metallica, Alice in Chains grunge, and more recent(ish) reference points like Rob Zombie and Five Finger Death Punch. Ask for an influence, and It Takes the Village happily obliges. All while avoiding the expected pitfalls and strictly doing its own thing.

Buy the album here:
https://whoonearthus.bandcamp.com/album/it-takes-the-village

8 / 10
GARY ALCOCK
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