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The first time I listened to “Tell Someone Who Cares” I didn’t like it. At all. So I am glad I wasn’t listening to it on headphones in a CD shop – because I would have taken my R150 and bought something else. And what a mistake that would have been.

Because I had to review the CD I was forced to listen to it a few more times. And during the second and third listen it grew on me. Big time.

If you have ever seen Wonderboom live on stage (and, after headlining just about every South African music festival as well as opening for international acts, such as Live, there is a large chance you have) you will know that they – to put it mildly – kick-ass. It’s loud, it’s energetic, it’s energy packed and it’s full throttle. On “Tell Someone Who Cares” I think Wonderboom have managed to translate this energy and clout onto CD – a skill not often found. All 12 songs are sound assaults – unrelenting, gritty, hard rock that requires the CD player to be cranked up to full volume. The album starts off with “Dead Right” – their current single gracing 5FM’s play list. Its catchy and a perfect example of what you can expect from the songs that follow it. Cito’s (lead vocals) voice is as unique as they come – harmonising beautifully on the slower numbers – but reaching that pining scream on the harder ones – like “That Girl” and “Slow” (which is anything but slow…) “Trippin” and “Night Falls like a Grand Piano” are my personal favourites – a bit slower than the rest, but aching and unforgiving. And a nice breather after the onslaught of the first two tracks. “White Lines” has a foot tapping beat and amazing bass guitar work “Son of A Gun’s” lyrics are particularly poignant and philosophical: “ Let me show you, Son, how to use a gun before the world does/ Trust no other” Equally the message in “Rise and Walk” is a beautiful one: Talking about depression and stress it tells you to “Move, Move on/The world is out there waiting for you” – proof there is more to good rock lyrics than sex, drugs and booze. Wonderboom’s previous release “Rewind”, featuring cover versions of classic South African songs, yielded four Top Ten hits (With “Charlie” reaching number one) and I have no doubt that “Tell Someone Who Cares” will follow this trend. Add some wildness and warmth to the winter – go and buy this album.