The What 4
2008 LP Say It Straight
Reviewed by Dobbie Glasson
24 July 2008
Experimental rock band The What 4 has delivered their debut full-length album Say It Straight. With such diverse sounds on the one release, it's no wonder they have been busy playing and getting some air time on Three D Radio. The What 4 are Jo Herbert on guitar and vocals, Frank Usmiani on bass, Wil Martin on drums and Paul Handley on synthesizers. Say It Straight is full of mind blowing sounds and effects, coming together nicely to produce a very stable record.
Rolling bass starts 'Science Fiction' which kicks the album into gear, and already it's into blazing synth and a guitar lick that tops this song off nicely. In 'Highbrow' the build up is worth the wait for the swelling, throbbing heart of the song. It's here you get the first taste of Herbert's womanly vocals and they are matured and somewhat sultry.
'D Construct' and 'Robotic Chaotic' give off a huge wall of sound; a surreal canvas of music filled wi