Wand – “Plum”

If Sound It Out could adopt a “house band,” I’m pretty sure we’d choose WAND. We’ve been writing about these psychedelic warriors since… huh, did they really release three albums in the span of one year, between 2014-15?! Following frontman Cory Hanson’s solo album last year and then a silent spell (relative to them – barely 10 months), the L.A.-based group announces a new album, Plum, and an expanded line-up. The title track “Plum” exhibits the new prominence of keyboards, plunking away here like Thomas the Tank Engine on tranquilizers, behind which the rest of the band weaves a sly, McCartney-esque melody.

Characteristically, Wand skillfully juggle face-ripping psychedelia, eccentric yet tuneful songwriting, and exciting instrumental performances. On previous albums those reflected Hanson’s vision, but with a new keyboardist and second guitarist to enhance the original trio, Plum exp;ores group-based compositions and arrangements. Do I detect an effort to reach a wider audience? “Bee Karma” suggests Wand’s music is ready to sit nicely alongside, say, a Wilco album, even if the song ends with a grand “7 And 7 Is” frenzy. Plum transfers the weirdness for which the group’s music is beloved onto album’s unpredictable changes in style and mood. As the extended twin-axe interplay in the second half makes clear, you need to stick with Plum through the end to wrap your head around the scope and substance of this new vision.

Plum is out now on Drag City Records.

WAND ON TOUR:
Sep. 23 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
Sep. 24 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
Sep. 25 – Las Vegas, NV @ Bunkhouse
Sep. 27 – Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
Sep. 28 – Lincoln, ME @ Lincoln Calling
Sep. 29 – Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
Sep. 30 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Oct. 2 – Toronto, ON @ Baby G
Oct. 3 – Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz
Oct. 4 – Cambridge, MA @ Cambridge Elks Lodge
Oct. 6 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
Oct. 7 – Philadelphia, PA @ Everybody Hits
Oct. 8 – Washington, DC @ DC9
Oct. 10 – Raleigh, NC @ Kings
Oct. 11 – Atlanta, GA @ 529
Oct. 12 – New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa
Oct. 13 – Austin, TX @ Barracuda
Oct. 14 – Dallas, TX @ Dada
Oct. 15 – Norman, OK @ The Opolis
Oct. 18 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Bar
Oct. 19 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux
Oct. 21 – Vancouver, BC @ The Cobalt
Oct. 22 – Seattle, WA @ The Vera Project
Oct. 24 – San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel
Jan. 23 – Brighton, UK @ Patterns
Jan. 24 – London, UK @ Dome
Jan. 25 – Bristol, UK @ Louisiana
Jan. 26 – Manchester, UK @ Soup Kitchen
Jan. 27 – Glasgow, UK @ Garage 2
Jan. 28 – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell
Jan. 29 – Birmingham, UK @ Hare & Hounds