SickWalt – Oh Weh Ha (2022)
Technically, the US-based rock band SickWalt began sharing music with an international audience a couple of years ago. The truth is, SickWalt was conceived almost one decade ago when Walt Novak performed with Max Capshaw at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom for a charity show. They performed four songs and the crowd went wild – a clear sign for the formation of SickWalt. Since that night in 2014, the lads have supported artists like The Dickies, D.O.A., Agent Orange, and The Dictators.
While Capshaw and Novak are renowned for their energetic, punk-infused gigs, they are joining contemporary society as an engaging force of nature. Featured on Rock Era Magazine, Sinusoidal Music, Roadie Metal, Edgar Allan Poets, Havoc Underground and numerous online radio stations/playlists, SickWalt is becoming a known name in both established and unsigned scenes.
Describing themselves as an “unapologetic, positive high-energy, in your face band from Astoria”, Capshaw and Novak connected with listeners on a hard-hitting, kaleidoscopic level. The thing is, while the pair are a dynamic duo, the group has parted ways but not without tribute. Produced during the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Walt Novak revived five of SickWalt’s previous material as a shining light on Capshaw’s musicality. Mixed and mastered with producer Andy Baldwin, the upcoming EP MAXXED honours the impressiveness of SickWalt’s original multi-instrumentalist punk-influenced vibe.
So, what’s up with the latest single ‘Oh Weh Ha’? The first single from the aforementioned EP, ‘Oh Weh Ha’ is a mantra encompassing gratitude and celebration. Novak explains that the phrase represents positive rock ‘n’ roll spirit and allows people to interpret the term in their own way. He shares that “one man’s track is another man’s treasure…they are what you make of them in your own personal journey.”
Powerful and charged with high-paced punk brashness, the pounding drums and heavy guitars fuse with an “in your face” attitude. Insert the gruffness of Novak’s rich vocal and there is a brusque and abrupt arrangement. The most intriguing element of ‘Oh Weh Ha’ is how its grittiness makes you jump about, but there is also a flowing quality to the sound. I can easily see myself twirling about to the hard rock song losing myself in the music – and you should too!
For more from SickWalt check out the official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
