Founded in Melbourne Australia, White Widdow was formed in 2008 by front man Jules Millis , Bassist Trent Wilson and Guitarist Enzo Almanzi. Soon after, Jules brought in his brother Xavier Millis on the keyboards, a two time ARIA (Australian Record Industry Award) nominee. With Xavier onboard, the writing team was in place and the line-up was then completed with Jim Naish on drums. Raised on a healthy diet of 80’s Arena Rock and influenced by artists such as White Sister, Giuffria, Aviator, Survivor , Danger Danger, Rick Springfield and Roxus, White Widdow started out playing live amongst the diverse Melbourne Rock scene, they quickly established themselves as a solid live unit throughout their native Australia. In mid 2009 White Widdow recorded and released their free digital only EP which was very well received in selected press.
In 2010 White Widdow stormed onto the Melodic Rock scene across the globe with the release of their self titled debut album through AOR Heaven. With the release of their second full length release, the full vision of White Widdow has become a reality. An album full of melodic rock and AOR anthems filled with swirling keyboards, blistering guitar playing and massive, hook filled choruses .
I’ll be honest here. I’ve lived with this album for a good 6 months and had intended to review it before White Widdow joined Seprentine and Ten on their amazingly successful UK package tour. I was at the gig at The Railway in Bolton and witnessed the full onslaught as the guys from Australia (including new drummer George Kristy – who I had the pleasure of introducing to the wonders of a village Co-op!) very swiftly made plenty of new friends and were, for some, the highlight of the evening.
So why the belated review? Well, the main reason was that I heard that Jules was recruited as the new singer for Tigertailz that night and I wanted to let the dust settle and for more firm news to emerge. Now it is clear that he will be fronting both bands and I reckon that can only be GREAT news for all involved. He has a great voice that brings power, passion and melody.
The album itself is chock full of songs that are fresh and exciting, whilst still clearly reflecting influences like Journey and (in the case of ballad “Do You Remember Me?”) Def Leppard whilst never resorting to parody, plagiarism or blatant rip-off. It won’t appeal to the grunt and growl metal merchants but, hey, why should it? Mostly the record reflects a band with a hunger – a strong desire to succeed whilst also remembering to have a great time in the process.
Hot on the heels of their debut, White Widdow returned with their follow up release “Serenade”. Proud of their 80’s influences, “Serenade” also sees the Aussie crew bringing in a wider range of styles. Mixed and mastered by Pelle Saether (Grand Design) at Studio Underground in Sweden, the boys have been able to polish their particularly brilliant brand of AOR with the wonderous Scandinavian blueprints that have brought the resurgence of interest in melodic rock.
With luck White Widdow will get back to the UK soon – when they do, you need to see their live show. In the meantime, if you need a slice of the melodic kind of rock (last seen in the late 80s) get a copy of “Serenade” – you will not be disappointed.
“Serenade” is available now through AOR Heaven
For more information see the band’s website:
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