W.M.D., also known as Words May Differ, are a quartet hailing from the West Midlands that many might not yet be familiar with. Formed in Burntwood, Staffordshire, in 2014, the band have honed their craft over the past decade. The culmination of a lengthy creative process, this week sees the long-awaited release of their sophomore, Waking The City, the successor to 2018’s thoroughly enjoyable debut.
W.M.D. – Waking The City
Release Date: 30 January 2025
Words: Sophie James
W.M.D. now comprise the raw, emotive engagement of vocalist/guitarist Simon Wood and Jack Revill, whose elevating lead guitar adds a layer of intricate melodies and solos, plus the steadfast rhythm section of Michael Wood and Craig Stanley on bass and drums, respectively.
Without fanfare the band spring into imminent lead single As The Crow Flies. Soon, the head is nodding, but when the ascending melody of the bridge chorus kicks in, its talons are well and truly under your skin. 
“People change for the worst when their loved ones are all gone. This place is not defeated, its spirit will live on.”
It is rare for an album’s second track to create such a personal connection, but that is precisely what So Has The Faith does.
The restrained ‘Southern’ style guitar intro (think Simple Man) leads into a lament to the desolate hearts of the towns and cities of our once great land.
Classic storytelling with the appropriately weighted arrangement accentuating the sentiment with Jack’s expressive lead further underlining the pathos. Most affecting.
“People laughed at us cos they were scared.”
Sweet Memories Remain continues the reflective viewpoint but this time from a relationship perspective. Like its predecessor, it starts ballady before venturing into rousing terrain styled so consummately by a certain outfit of East End origin.
Their meticulous homage to one of their fundamental influences virtually transports one back to those halcyon days when their heroes decisively embarked upon their quest for global domination.
The strutty staccato of Broken Man is a fusion of sleaze and the vintage.
The delightful harmony effect on the solos also parts the curtain on Michael’s intricate bass playing, which, for the most part, is interred within the mix. At such points, one truly gets to hear and appreciate the contributions of a most accomplished technician.
“Fuck you Mother Nature.”
River Runs Red possesses a funky but riffy feel. Demonstrative of the band’s sense of humour, this is one where it is best left to the listener to interpret its meaning as they wish.
“If I was numb, I’d be alright.”
Things take a dark turn on Alone. The brooding melody is reminiscent of Alice In Chains. The lingering, razor-like guitars create an ambience which illustrates the narrator’s anger as well as his dismal solitude.
“My skull is such a lonely place, and my body’s upped and died.”
Skeletons is classic storytelling in the time-honoured gothic style, with an insider’s view of joining the bleedin’ choir invisible. The restrained guitar accompaniment to the descriptive vocal provides the perfect background until further East End influences materialise as the arrangement gathers mass.
The sweet, simple fade acts as a metaphor to one’s own fading light but one has to wonder if Jack will be bold enough to replicate this in live performance.
From a ‘wake’ to a party. Craig gives Karma’s A Bitch such an exuberant Glam Rock type beat. Undoubtedly destined to become a live favourite and have punters prancing with their pints while hollering along with the hugely infectious tagline.
Discussing the release with lead guitarist Jack, he remarked: “It’s the final two tracks that I am most proud of.”
“Somebody help me please, when can I be at peace?”
The melody of Here Comes The Sun’s delicate flamenco opening had me racking my brains wondering what it reminded me of. Then it hit me – Because The Night from The Boss.
Comparisons aside, Jack’s acoustic is exquisite, its Hispanic flavour in stark contrast to the subject matter of a condemned man’s acquiescence while awaiting his fate. As soon as the full arrangement kicks, it presents somewhat of a Scorpions feel. The acoustic/electric/acoustic arrangement credibly symbolises his contemplation, the execution and its aftermath.
“The good times there were plenty, the glory days are gone.”
Finale When The Castle Falls opens with an instantly recognisable bass line. The changes in cadence see it build from tranquil verse to soaring chorus before hurtling into a full-on charge, with the chorus subsequently reprised in anthemic triumph.
It achieves the delicate equilibrium of being a full-on homage to one of their major influences while remaining true to their own identity. An epic well worthy of the gong at its conclusion.
Returning again to Jack, who summarised, “We are immensely proud of what we have created. It’s quite well-rounded, there’s a bit of everything. Just like the first album, not much sounds the same. Si is singing better than ever, Mike’s bass (playing) is epic, and a lot of my stuff was adlibbed because I wanted to feel (spontaneous) as I played.”
I cannot agree more with those sentiments.
As one great British rock institution currently bids farewell, abundantly present here are components which are in the tradition of, if not the style of Magnum.
With skilled songwriting, precise arrangements, meticulous execution, plus engrossing storytelling, each track is a carefully woven tapestry of sound and sentiment, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of introspection and connection.
The sound sparkles due to Jon Priestley’s vibrant production, aerating Simon’s clear, articulate and ensnaring delivery. Jack’s expressive and instinctive solos further colour the moods, while Michael’s undulating bass is intriguing throughout.
Having witnessed them perform a few times, I look forward to observing these songs brought to life on stage.
In my most humble opinion, W.M.D. have delivered the first great classic rock album of 2025. Take a punt, you will be generously compensated.
Waking The City will be available on most major streaming platforms, or if you wish to purchase a CD, please contact the band directly via https://www.facebook.com/wmdmusic or wmdmusic@outlook.com.
For those in the locality or perhaps even further afield, the Album Launch Show takes place on Thursday 30th January at The Station in Cannock.
