by Kayla Hutton | Jun 26, 2018 | albums, premieres
Immigration Unit – formed in April 2017 – is comprised of four musicians that are sporadically located between Basel, Torino, Geneva, and Caracas. In such a short amount of time, they are already independently releasing their debut EP Sofa Heroes on June 29th, 2018.
This premiere – which we are hosting exclusively – will absolutely shake your soul to its very core.
Let’s get this straight. I’m not telling you to go out an do drugs. You don’t need to. Save your money. “Immigration Unit” is not only the drug itself, they are the trip, the atmosphere, the sights, and the sounds. Their brand of experimental psychedelic alternative unpredictably teases and borderlines loungey, intense, melodic stoner rock. In a way they’re comparable to Beck, but less spastic. Way less spastic. You could actually chill to Immigration Unit even though there are at times just so many sounds and things going on.
The title track, “Sofa Heroes” is subtly electronic and dreary. Its start may seem abrasive and noisy but just wait. The bass line has an off-key groove while the vocals just slowly weave in and out. From a spoken word to an overdriven noisy pre-chorus. Capturing every emotion the way a year holds 4 changes of season.
“Wasting Mornings” travels an unknown winding road. Anticipatingly frightening as without warning turning the corner and sustaining a bumpless cruising speed. Unblemished vocals radiate so delicately. being accompanied by a droning silky smooth guitar line. The only predictable aspect of “Immigration Unit” is their unpredictability. as another abrupt change from subtle becomes overtaken by a drab tone that sees the vocals evolve like the wind commanding the storm to commence.
The remixed version of “Sofa Heroes” hesitantly departs from the trippy original and has a much darker texture. A trap beat is later consumed by an almost industrial feel with the utilization of thicker electronics and dirty percussive sounds.
Overall the EP is a manic mix of an unmedicated rollercoaster, This has got to be one of the better releases I’ve heard this year. Why? Well, it’s original. It’s obscure. It’s not thrown together. It literally has a directional purpose and allows you to travel with it.
Get all the details about the official release of Immigration Unit, “Sofa Heroes” by visiting their website and don’t forget to follow them on Facebook.
by Aubrey Hanson | Jun 20, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Following some of their other tracks such as “Tidal Wave” and “Sunflower Lady”, up and coming band Tempesst recently released their new single “A Little Bit Of Trouble” which connects alternative and indie genres along with a little mix of old-time, traditional folk music that sets up the perfect mix of genres so anyone can enjoy their unique style of music. “A Little Bit Of Trouble” is the perfect song to listen to if you are cruising through the countryside during the summer, or just looking for a good time. Tempesst uses their distinctive sound and music style to create a somewhat relaxing yet exhilarating song that will make you want to go on a summer adventure, and maybe even cause a little trouble yourself.
Make sure to stay up to date on Tempesst if you are ever in need of some good summer vibes.
by Aubrey Hanson | Jun 14, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Based in Leeds, skillful band Krrum mixes the likes of alternative style music along with electro-rock based instrumentals. In the songs “Still Love” and recently released song “Phase”, Krrum brings out not only alternative and electronic style music, but also hints of pop to where their music can appeal to all tastes.
In EP Evil Twin, they created a masterpiece using all different rhythms such as upbeat, slow, and even moderate, which allows you to feel an array of different moods based on each song. Following Evil Twin, Krrum will be releasing their new album Honeymoon which is projected to be even better than their recent releases, so if you are on the lookout for new music, be sure to check out Krrum in order to have all of your music desires fulfilled!
Keep up with Krrum here.
by Kayla Hutton | Jun 14, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
The Rareflowers have defined the beauty in true love and the how we often take it for granted when we feel comfortable. Its only after the fact when they are gone that you realize how it really kicks in the intensity of loss and being alone. Don’t worry guys, with indie sensitive songs like “New Generation” you won’t be alone for long. With a clean, heart on sleeve delivery this band consisting of brothers Jimmy (guitar, vocals)) and Kane Maraday (bass) and Aaron Gollubier (drums) will be releasing their self-titled debut E.P. June 29th, 2018 via Good Eye Records. Formed in 2013 The Rareflowers trio from New Brunswick, NJ, has not 1 but 2 singles released thus far giving us a little insight into what to expect from the E.P. Not to mention plans are already in the works for a full-length album.
“New Generation” is overall a warm sing-along style song that begins rather romantically.
The band commented on the song by saying, ” You’ll give your best self at the beginning of a relationship. In time, things will change, but never enough to make you forget why you loved that person in the first place.” It’s a sad and beautiful truth as is the single as it sways in a gentle motion of down picking and up picking of the guitar.
The first single “Shake” is slowly paced but not a dramatic ballad. The chorus is where the tempo picks up and gives a little of a Tom Petty vibe. Semi-folkish with a modern alternative touch. The vocals are soulful in their expression and delivery while the melody is as charming as a prom date in the perfect attire opening the door for his lady. The midsection offers a psychedelic strum before continuing the journey down a desolate path with cries of “Baby.”
While the band looks young in pictures they have a very defined and mature sound that makes it seem hard to believe this is their debut. They have captured all the elements needed to get more than just a listen and nod. Subtle verses that tell a story, catchy hooks in the chorus lines that make it stick in your memory and of course that alternative indie appeal. The production value is clear and makes each instrument shine while the vocals have a hall style verb giving it full spectrum surround in the forefront. The honesty in lyric writing and musical integrity will be a surefire with the ladies too.
Once you give it a listen and they win you over you can keep up with them on their Facebook page.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 13, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Billie Eilish brought her own brand of alternative to Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2018. While we were out in Centeroo for Day 3, we got the chance to catch a glance. Here are some highlights.
Keep up with Billie here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 12, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
While she prepares for her new album (Take Me To The Disco) to release this summer, reigning queen of alternative Meg Myers – or, at least that’s what fans in the midwest would have you believe – is keeping busy. Having just played her first show in a couple of years in Kansas City last night, we can attest to the type of enthusiastic, diverse, dedicated, SOLD OUT fan base she attracts. But there’s a reason for that, evidenced in each carefully-crafted track she releases. Her most recent – the stunning ballad of a title track from her upcoming album – is equal parts elegant and raw, drawing its listeners in to its intricate sound that is just beginning to be remixed into an EDM track.
Keep up with Meg Myers here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 8, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
With a slight pixelated – yet ethereal – feel to it all, Los Angeles-based alternative act XYLØ released her latest music video for “Heaven Only Knows” this month. With cat eyes and a mysterious glow, she sings seductively over simple, gorgeous instrumentals that will have you wanting to waft into a summertime haze for hours. We’re completely jazzed about the ambiance created by this track, and now it’s time for you to feel that way too.
Keep up with XYLØ here.
by Abby Trapp | Jun 5, 2018 | albums, review
Jessie Kilguss recently released her latest album, The Fastness. The Fastness is the fifth album for the Brooklyn based singer/songwriter. The alternative-indie artist has a lot of things to offer on her latest album. The Fastness is an album of regrets, hope, love, and wanderlust. Jessie’s voice and style brings weight to the album as you can hear the Stevie Nicks and Norah Jones influences. The album has ten tracks, each song a little different from the last. “The Master” is a song about a person of great wisdom, holding the key to all the answers. Leaving his followers behind, Jessie asks “Who will be the oracle when he is gone?” “New Start,” tells the story of one’s ability to believe in love again. The hopeful and upbeat song will lift your spirits with lyrics like “I thought it was over, but I made a new start,” “Now I’m ready to be mystified, I know I’m not the only one,” and my favorite “You changed my mind.”
Jessie shows us her darker side on “Hell Creek.” The song is full of sinful regret, shame, and morbid themes. “I knew I the time had come to break myself free- and every thing went red,” cries out the singer. The song remains haunting with the line “Going down to hell creek, wash the blood off my hands.” The artist also shows off her love for travel and the world with “Spain,” and “Rainy Night in Copenhagen.” I completely related to the song “Spain” as I once fell in loved with Madrid and the beautiful lyric “Maybe I’ll find it here- Spain stretched out in front of me.” It describes the country perfectly. “Rainy Night in Copenhagen,” is a place to leave all your troubles. “So peaceful, so far away from home,” Jessie sings on the countryside. “I’m not ready to go home,” laments the artist as the song is a feeling of wanderlust, a thirst for the world- something we all experience at least once in our lives. The Fastness provides a variety of melodies to feed your soul, heart and mind. Jessie’s beautiful voice and thoughtful lyrics will take you to a peaceful place that is all your own.
The Fastness is currently available on major streaming services. Get your copy here.
by Abby Trapp | Jun 4, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
At the young age thirteen, solo artist Akine wrote her notable single “Pray For The Prey”. Four years later, she is sharing her song “Pray For The Prey” with the world. “Pray For The Prey” incorporates a number of genres taking inspiration from tribal beats, syncopated electronic sounds, and alternative pop. What is so impressive about this track is how mature and riveting the lyrics are for someone so young. Unsure of the world and what is next for it, Akine uses powerful writing to express her feelings of exasperation. “Tell him you love him, he’ll shield you from every thing,” Akine sings on a higher power. “And we pray and we pray into this foolish masquerade,” proclaims the chorus. Continuing her cry, “You think you’re blessed and best because of God.”
“Pray For The Prey” is Akine’s battle cry for humanity, the foolish, and the ignorant. Her message will strike a chord with many, whether it is a positive or negative one. The message alone is telling, but Akine’s divergent and compelling voice really brings the song home.
Keep up with Akine on Facebook and Instagram.
