Known for his slow-burning psychedelic style, blending Americana and garage rock, Wade Easy has just released his new album, Honey Venom. It’s an impressive feat, marking the West Virginian artist’s third full-length album in less than a year. Honey Venom is a ten-track record about love in all its tangled glory, wrapped in a slow-burning, road-worn sound.
The album opens with the infectious guitar riffs and smoky vocals of “Ey Mama,” giving us a glimpse of what’s to come. “Tomato” follows with bluesy guitar and whispery, intimate vocals. For a more nostalgic feel, look to “Hot Honey,” where repeated guitar riffs draw you in as the song slowly builds, gaining momentum, energy, and volume.
“Pirate of Sand” is mellow and seductively groove-forward, while “Reverie” is a blues-tinged slow burn that melts into the notably twangy guitar sound of “Strange.” Wade Easy then makes a subtle shift toward a deeper, darker style with the southern rock feel of “Low.”
A personal favourite on the album is the next track, “Venom.” With infectious, earworm-worthy riffs that pull you right in, the song is a fever dream; a psychedelic daze that captivates and doesn’t let go. “Raw” feels just as its name implies: laid bare, with depth in its simplicity. The album concludes with “Stung,” a track full of swagger and snarl. It’s a reminder that a slow burn is still a fire.
Overall, Honey Venom is a masterclass in the power of restraint in songwriting. Fantastic guitar work and pared-down vocals come together to create a distinct mood and atmosphere, favouring texture over an overproduced sound or an in-your-face approach. Wade Easy uses repetition in a way that never feels boring; instead, it makes the music all the more compelling. The minimal vocals let the instruments and riffs shine, perfectly complementing the hazy, moody psychedelic indie rock. Honey Venom is hypnotic, with rawness and depth at its core.
Stream Wade Easy’s Hot Honey album on your preferred platform:
Spotify / YouTube Music / Bandcamp
