A couple of years ago, the Chicago-based duo wht.rbbt.obj hit my radar. Initially drawn to their name, I quickly discovered there was a whole lot more to them.

By Graeme Smith

The act have released a trilogy of albums riffing on their unusual moniker. We’ve had Whiskey Hotel Tango, Romeo Bravo Bravo Tango, and now – you guessed it – Oscar Bravo Juliet.

The third instalment is perhaps the most striking. Starting slow, sensual and mournful with the stripped-back Fallout/Shelter we then get some quick contrast through the maximal blues of Monster of Nothing. Rock meets electronica in a lush, nuanced instrumental while River Rabbitte’s heart-stealing vocal powers through it all.

River is joined by her husband, Frank, and together they make a sound that has drawn favourable comparisons to Amy Winehouse and The Black Keys. The pair both embody characters when they perform. Frank’s the “Architect” while River is the “Femme Fatale,” giving what they make a cinematic feel.

Broken Luck is full of regret and catharsis while Daddy Lollipop is overflowing of sexual fizz. “These songs are dangerous because they’re honest,” says River. “They sound like love, lust, and betrayal— but they feel like confessionals whispered in the dark. I wanted the vocals to hit like smoke and leave like fire.” You’ll need to reach for something cool after Daddy Lollipop.

The swagger persists into the Hendrix-esque Cash on Delivery. Secrets is suitably intimate, cutting through the dishonesty with some sharp rock. Low Key provides an acoustic, romantic interlude at the heart of the album.

Tailspin Radio ups the energy as we head towards the album’s final leg. It’s rich with distortion and static, and leads nicely into the stomping I Get Stuck.

After the album’s nine tracks unfold, we get the FURY edition of Monsters of Nothing which sees Chicago rapper FURYgiving the track a hip-hop twist.

“We built this trilogy like a code,” says Frank. “Whiskey Hotel Tango was the signal. Romeo Bravo Bravo Tango was the transmission. Oscar Bravo Juliett is the detonation. It’s not just an album—it’s the final order.”

With the final part of their trilogy, wht.rbbt.obj have gracefully walked the line between keeping things traditional and breaking the mould. Lovers of classic blues rock will by satisfied, but so will those who are searching for something new. They’re a criminally underrated band and their new album proves it.

Oscar Bravo Juliett is out now, and you can listen to it below.

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