The Album

Album cover designed by Riley’s Desk.

It’s getting closer and closer to September first when we all board the Hogwarts Express and make our way to school. Today we’re going to bring it back to an original wizard rocker who released a revision of their old music on May 18, 2021. That’s right, today I’m reviewing Revisionist History by The Whomping Willows! While most of the songs are updated versions of the classics, there is some new music in here as well. Let’s get ready to wrock!

The Tracks

Also the title of the album, the first track is called Revisionist History. It’s an upbeat but serious message to JK Rowling about how the Potter fandom will stand strong together, even when its author has let them down. This song carries a powerful message with its lyrics, while also absolutely jamming out on the instrumentals. It is an incredibly catchy song, and gives me big feels every time I listen to it.

Wolfstar is next. Crisp and clean instrumentals start the song off, followed quickly by the main vocals singing about Sirius and Remus. It’s a toe-tapping track that has terrific chord changes and harmonies in the background. I wish this song was longer – that’s my only complaint!

The Whomping Willows brings back another classic song with Cedric Had It Coming. This is yet another catchy song that has clever lyrics and lots of syncopation. Poor Cedric didn’t stand a chance against the Boy Who Lived, and this song details exactly why that is. There are lots of great references not only to the HP books themselves but also to Hollywood media.

I Pity the Death Eaters begins with what I think of as a typical Whomping Willows beat. While the main vocals begin quietly, the lyrics quickly hold nothing back against Death Eaters. This is an amazing song to listen to anytime you need to feel like standing up against injustice.

I have always loved the next song, Don’t Let Me Explode. It starts off quietly and slowly, and picks it up after the first verse. It details the struggles of change and old habits. The powerful lyrics and excellent instrumental break in the middle of the song are a precursor to the bridge, which contains multitudes of harmonies followed by a sick guitar solo.

There are a lot of references to old school wizard rock shows and tours in A Brief Repose. This upbeat song details what it was like to travel around the country playing lots of shows and meeting new people. Every time I listen to this song I am taken back to wizard rock house shows in Rhode Island with friends I only got to see once a year. It makes me homesick for times long gone, but happy that I still have those memories.

Punch Up is a high energy rally song. It has a clear and strong message to stand up for what is right and to never back down from what you believe in. It’s short, sweet, and simply awesome.

The Whomping Willows backs up our dear Luna Lovegood in I Believe In Nargles. This is a beautiful song for anyone who feels different from the crowd. As is the trend for this album, everything from the instrumental solo to the vocals to the lyrics is just sublime.

Another song I have always loved listening to is Sometimes I Feel Ugly, which gets a gorgeous revision in this album. This one also reminds me of Providence house shows with all of my friends. My favorite line is: “Take me down to the wizard rock show where I won’t feel so alone.”

The final song of the album is I Found a Loophole. This song is written for Hermione, who The Whomping Willows has historically had a crush on in their music. The loophole is that even though the Whomping Willow is a tree, it fortunately has a singer who has a human body. Thank goodness for Matt Maggiacomo. This is an incredible end to an excellent album.

In Summary

Revisionist History has everything you could ask for in a wizard rock album. The instrumentals, vocals, powerful messages, and witty lyrics come together to make an amazing creation. The Whomping Willows has been a big part of the wizard rock community from the very beginning, and has a special place in my heart (and in the hearts of many others). I’m so glad that they were able to bring Revisionist History to life!