by Meredith Schneider | Jan 8, 2019 | videos, wolf tracks
Dial up internet noises in the beginning, and we’re already in love. Sophie Strauss‘ new video for “I Was” captures the visuals in a very ethereal and light way, much like the vocal delivery. The song itself is an introspective anecdote, while Strauss susses out the complicated feelings she had for and around women growing up. Even if it wasn’t created on film directly, the video is shot with an esthetic as though it was, which goes with the throwback theme of the song. Self analysis sometimes requires us to delve into the past in order to create our futures more fully. Take this track as your opportunity to do so.
Keep up with Sophie Strauss here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 7, 2019 | albums, review
As you lean slowly into the gentle and mellifluous soundscape of Jane Willow‘s Onward Still, your mind starts to wander, and wonder what the inspiration for this work of art exactly was. From the first caress of vocals in “Onward Still”, to the last defining, harmonic moments of “Comfort”, this 6-track EP is nothing if not the perfectly watercolored canvas to hang over your blooming ideas and goals and adventures for 2019. “On My Mind” hits you with introspective and intense lyrics, sad strings to really rip into your heart’s deepest cavities. “Nobody Knows” has a strangely poignantly placed feeling of freedom to the delivery of the vocals, subtle yet defining nuances throughout.
“Hannah” brings the pace up, the Dublin-based artist’s most notably uplifting track to the work. “If I Did Love You” is quite the ballad, theatric and haunting in its presence. “Comfort” truly rounds the release out nicely, with a sound that makes you feel as though you’re basking in the glow of the sun on a patio somewhere amongst vineyards. This song itself evokes the title in an effortless and wonderful way, which seems to be the artist’s intention. We’ll be using this as our adult lullaby for a while, and we’re not even remotely ashamed.
Keep up with Jane Willow here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 7, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Have you ever felt like a foreigner in a situation? Like an outsider who just might not quite fit in? Tuarrah‘s “Ellis” conveys that feeling, which aims to reduce peoples’ fear of “the other”. We are all about conquering those fears this year, and intend to do so with the right soundtrack behind us. Luckily, Danish sound artist Martin Hviid collaborated on “Ellis” for us, to bring a different type of life to the already enticing track by the Brooklyn indie band — and to our resolutions.
Keep up with Tuarrah here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 3, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
If you’re looking for some inspiration in the new year – and trust us, we all are – then Indiana-based sister duo Lily & Madeleine (Jurkiewicz) have what you need. Their new track “Just Do It” dances a fine line between edgy – with their dares to take chances woven into the lyrics – and soft and seductive with the sisters’ ethereal harmonies, while maintaining a fresh and enigmatic feel for 2019. Keep your eyes peeled for their upcoming album Canterbury Girls, which is expected in late February.
Keep up with Lily & Madeleine here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 3, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
In October of last year, electro-pop duo AOK released their high energy track “Back Burner”. They’re still turning up the hype on the track, which led effortlessly into their most recent EP Waves. Though they hail from Grand Rapids, MI, the duo – comprised of AngelaB and Kyle – has a sound that could easily be at home late at night in the streets of LA. If you’re looking for a party track to lead you into the New Year, this is it. Take it.
Keep up with AOK here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 2, 2019 | soundtrack, visual
Everybody’s done with those gnarly “Best Of” lists, correct? No? Oh, we didn’t post our favorite music videos of the month quite yet? Alright. You’ve got us. We took a few (much needed) days out of rotation, and we feel like we are already behind on everything! Especially when December yielded so many incredible new collections of music, let alone a host of top notch visuals for our viewing pleasure. So let’s dive in, shall we? Time to enjoy some great new music videos from Chromeo, Roosevelt, Mae Muller, The Faded North, and more!
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 28, 2018 | albums, review
As if the cover art weren’t enough to draw you in – HELLOOOOO Earle Rock Studios -, Holy White Hounds‘ sophomore full-length release is absolutely extraordinary. Blending in the signature “eff you” style that they established with 2016’s Sparkle, Sparkle, Say It With Your Mouth is an established alt-rock adventure, with high stakes energy from beginning to end. While first track “Thirsty” insists that “I’m not excited,” the intense lead-in would say otherwise, as “Lucid Kid” establishes an energy that we’re ready to bump from now into the summer months. “Perpetrator” feels like the perfect addition to “Guitar Hero,” catchy as all get out with a visual that will keep your mind reeling.
The quirky name of the project can be found in the lines of “No Teeth”, while “Big Heavy” boasts the perfect sound to be played during an NFL game. (Shameless plug.) While Dean struggles with his perspective in “Trifection”, the attitude continues – complete with a whole different level of percussion – in seventh track “Violence”. This one is a real banger, so make sure to allow plenty of space to move around when you press “play” on it.
Dave Keuning joins in on the fun with “What I Am”, and “Burnt Tongue” speeds things up even more than originally anticipated, guitar licks and a beat that doesn’t just pull you in, but drags you in by your shoelaces – or bootstraps, or whatever gets you going – and does not let go. The drums set the scene for “The Void”, coming in with bass that sets one of those “walking like a badass” vibes for the remainder of the track. (AKA add this to your life soundtrack and when you’ve got to raise that confidence, play it and strut your stuff!)
If you are really paying attention to the lyrics instead of just the mood the soundscape sets for you, you’ll notice a variety of emotions, stemming from personal anecdotes that have been woven throughout the work as a whole. Dean’s vocals drag more of that emotion out of us, highlighting moments of darkness and a questioning mentality while we all learn how to feel through it. “Tracy Free” is one of those introspective tracks that really entices you to think, though the title of its follow-up, “Aids Chimp”, kind of detracts from the weight of the words.
But that’s what we’ve come to respect and love about this band. They can sing about some dark, dark shit and keep this weightless feel to it all, and you can tell that they are a ton of fun live simply from listening to a few lines from Say It With Your Mouth, if you haven’t yet been graced by their live performance tactics. “New Blood” will further enforce the theatrical nature of the band, though they may be the last to admit it. With bits of comedy mixed in with self realization and that clear, gorgeous edge, we’re big fans of this album as a journey, and are stoked you get to hear it from beginning clear through “Thirsty Outro”.
Say It With Your Mouth is available now. Keep up with Holy White Hounds here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 27, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
We made it through the holidays, and for some of us that means winding down a bit. For others, that means revving back up the productivity. (Hello, running a publication!) In either case, Beatrix Sky‘s latest track “Love Drug” is the perfect soundtrack to make the next chapter of your life happen, no matter what you’re going for. With luscious, ethereal layers and the perfect blend of Sky’s brooding vocals, this is one you won’t want to miss. Try it on for size below!
Keep up with Beatrix Sky here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 27, 2018 | albums, review
Songstress Sophie Strauss recently released a new 8-track album filled to the brim with poetic intensity, a sense of self shining through that we have been craving lately. From Americana-tinged “Drive Down Mama” to the pop-infused “Aphids”, through the smooth atmospheric sounds of “Dog Fight”, Strauss’ work maintains an ethereal, playful soundscape that improves the mood of the room, regardless of the title and topic. “Text” gets slow and sensual, while “Sweetboy” contains primal percussion that would make anyone swoon. “I Was” is filled with reverb, a tinny effect that reflects the leading and ending quote.
“Joan of Arc” gets a little more military-feeling with regards to its percussion, apropos to the fact that the song is named after one of the greatest women warriors in known history. Listen closely to the lyrics, as it gets a bit vulnerable and we emerge with our hearts aching, though in a fulfilling and intensely emotional way. Sophie ends the album in “Aphids (Solo)”, a beautiful tribute to a picturesque and incredible memory.
Keep up with Sophie Strauss here.
