The Nightwatchman – World Wide Rebel Songs

Backed by ‘The Freedom Fighter Orchestra’, an ensemble band for Tom Morello’s third venture as The Nightwatchman, World Wide Rebel Songs is billed as a timely riposte to current global events, the like of which have fuelled the Rage Against The Machine guitarist's lengthy career.

Unlike previous solo releases, Morello breaks out the ol’ electric for some trademark fret-board solo tapping, whilst making reasonable work of his limited vocal delivery, with blustery western hoedowns (Speak and Make Lightning, Stray Bullets) and stadium riff rabble-rousers (It Begins Tonight). Yet despite the flag pole the title supposes this album will fly from, it feels too unfocused and patchy to fully ignite real righteous indignation.

Coupled with a knack for ham-fisted lyrics and join-the-dots chord progressions, World Wide Rebel Songs may provide an initial rush of barnstorming folk polemic, but it’s unlikely to sustain its convictions come the light of a new dawn. [Darren Carle]