by ImperfectFifth | Nov 19, 2018 | perspective
One part June Carter sassing Johnny Cash along with two dashes of Itzhak Perlman on a midnight hayride, Mad Crush’s songs contain theatrical, back-and-forth performances between their singing protagonists Joanna Sattin and John Elderkin. Complete with humor and heartbreak, their songs are in fact bright little dramas about fussing, fighting, and occasionally making up—universal truths sprinkled with brand-new magic dust. Below, Elderkin discusses his first musical influences, which are readily apparent upon listening to Mad Crush’s recently-released debut LP.
I have a habit of dismissing great albums on my first listen. I had friends with an advanced copy of Nirvana’s “Nevermind” who freaked out when they heard it, but when I listened, I thought it sucked. Later, I gave it another try and realized I was way wrong. Like the rest of the world, I ate it up. I had a similar reaction to R.E.M.’s first EP, called “Chronic Town.” Friends I respected said that it sounded unlike anything they’d ever heard anywhere. I listened and shrugged. It was different, but what was it? But when I pulled the record out again a few months later, I was flabbergasted. Those guys were speaking my language!
The one time I got it right came before these albums, on my first listen to The Clash’s “London Calling.” I was a teenager but I’d never heard of The Clash, and I bought it because I liked the cover picture of the bass player smashing his guitar on stage. I turned on my record player and by the end of the first song I was jumping up and down on my bed like a maniac. When my younger brother came in to ask what the hell was going on, I pointed to the record player and sure enough, he jumped on the bed, too. The only time I got down was to turn over the sides. I didn’t own a lot of records yet, and afterward I probably assumed that most albums would knock me out this way, that life would be one “London Calling” after another. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t so impressed later with other records that were supposed to bowl me over. Or maybe it’s just that great…
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Keep up with Mad Crush here.
by Karina Marquez | Jul 19, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
L.A.-based group Transviolet is high off the critical acclaim of their debut EP Kaleidoscopes and national tour with their latest video for “Bad Intentions.” At first glance, the electro-pop track seems to be accompanied by the visuals of a carefree party. But as we follow frontwoman Sarah McTaggart around, we see the darker side of your typical house party music video. It’s magnetic and colorful, yet there’s a deeper meaning behind the imagery. In light of a major cultural shift, the video highlights the power of women and what they can achieve when they stand together. In this case, it’s the women versus those ever-present jerks at a party. But the message is universal – stand up for what you truly believe in and watch what happens. Despite their major success, Transviolet remains fearless in their music and their mindset, and we need that now more than ever.
Check out their EP, and keep up with the band here.
by Christie McMenamin | Jul 12, 2018 | show review, snapshot, visual
Ciaran Lavery, an Irish singer/songwriter, performed an intimate solo set at New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall on June 22nd.
Playing to a small, darkened room, a reverent silence took hold of the audience the moment Lavery began his first song. Switching back and forth between acoustic guitar and piano, his sparse accompaniments allowed his gentle, hushed voice to soar. With introspective, narrative lyrics, Lavery is a poetic storyteller. His ballads pull at your heartstrings, his words run the gamut of emotional experience. As a performer, he makes meaningful eye contact with each member of his audience, drawing his listeners further into his world.
In-between songs, Lavery continued his stories, revealing his sense of humor. Speaking of nervousness on an airplane, he once tried to relax by watching, as a dog lover, Marley and Me. He wasn’t, however, aware of the ending. Lavery also had a revelation while listening to the radio on a long drive, attempting to figure out the meaning of the genre “soft rock.” With a creeping sense of dread, he put it together: he is soft rock. Lavery easily pulled laughs from his listeners’ throats as he framed simple, universal experiences as ones of casual mirth.
More info about Lavery can be found here.
by Madison Blom | May 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Breaking into the new year with a new single that is sure to get her name heard by thousands of new listeners is LA based artist, Tessa Rae and her first single of the year entitled, “Downtown.” Not only does this song have a deep meaning to the artist herself, but it is sure to touch the hearts of fans around the world with its generally universal message. In her own words, Rae stated, “‘Downtown’ is a story about loss and dealing with its aftermath…I lost my best friend and someone who I felt was a soulmate to me in this world. The song is kind of an outward expression of the shoulda-woulda-coulda games we all play with ourselves when we lose someone we love. Initially In.Drip. was only going to produce the song, but the first version he sent me was with my verse followed by his hook and it honestly blew me away. I loved it and asked if he’d be on the track.”
Just as was indicated in the statement, this song was built to embody the pain that one feels when they experience loss — a sentiment that is felt within each individual, painstaking beat. As the song begins, ears are immediately met by Tessa Rae’s fantastic vocal skill meshed with a tenderness that is indescribable. Not only is this a talent that is hard to come by, but it also has a unique way of fluctuating with the instrumental component that stabilizes the track. Throughout the entire track, fans also have the pleasure of experiencing the raw power behind the lyrics that hold so much meaning through the minimalistic soundscape. Without a doubt, there is much in store in the coming years for this incredibly talented young artist.
Keep up with Tessa Rae here.
by Madison Blom | May 15, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Taking the stage by storm with her latest dreamy alt-pop single, “American Nightmare” is up and coming, Minneapolis based artist, JØUR. Not only does this new track show off her amazing ability to dance on the top of wonderfully choreographed notes, but it is a perfect display of how her lyrical genius can speak to even those who associate with other genres of music. Throughout the track listeners can enjoyJØUR’s minimalistic style that perfectly show cases her natural talent as an artist. With an overall solid vocal performance and a universal message, it would not be surprising to learn that this artist goes the distance in her musical career.
While speaking of this new release she stated, “I originally wrote this song several years ago about blindly following the ‘American Dream’ of getting a job, moving to the suburbs, getting married, having kids, etc.,” explains JØUR. “I felt at the time that my life was flying in the face of conventionality when I quit my 9-5 finance job to pursue art and music and everyone was cautioning me about taking such a huge risk, when for me the biggest nightmare and risk would be to have that version of the American Dream.”
Of course, in the economic times that we are currently facing, fear of rejection and failure are often hidden occupants of our minds, however, this amazing track encourages all to break through the traditional mold that folds under the pressure of fear and pursue a life of a better. With the skill of an artist far beyond her years and the emotional stability to continue producing music equally moving and impactful, JØUR is sure to quickly rise to meet her greatest potential.
Keep up with JØUR here.
by Madison Blom | May 11, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
In order to speak about issues that are constantly being thrown in the faces of teens and adults throughout the world, rising indie band Black Moth Super Rainbow has created a new track that is truly a wakeup call to all those who seem to me in “ignorant bliss.” As with many of their other songs, this recent release is incredibly organic in a way that makes listeners stop and listen to what is being said as well as come to understand the economical and moral crisis that we find ourselves in today.
One aspect of this track stands out among all of the rest, however, and that would the their incredible skill in turning such a universal idea and represent it musically. Throughout the entire song, listeners and fans are able to enjoy the juxtaposition that inevitably happens when you take such a lovely thing and pair it with something incredibly lack luster. In their own words:
Here we are in 2018, inhabiting a tumorous wasteland with singed nerves and synapses fried from scrolling for far too long. This is what the fear sounds like in its most pristine form. The floral bloom and the toxic wilt, the sound of dreams and nightmares reaching détente, a ride through the void, where the fumes offer all the anesthetic you need.
Keep up with Black Moth Super Rainbow here.
by Kayla Hutton | Apr 6, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
WoW ! !
This is awesome. I’m a contradiction as I describe Ängie’s sound as smooth, subtle and in your face. But I bet I sparked your curiosity. From Sweden is trap pop artist Angie. Her debut album, suicidal since 1995, is set to drop on April 6th 2018 through Universal. This album is full of soothing bass, 808’s, and lounge-style vocals. If you are uptight or sheltered this album will pull your panties right out of their wad.
If you are easily offended, this may or may not be for you. The overall reception since Angie started up has been a 50/50 of love/hate. I absolutely love her straightforward, to the point, and consciously realistic lyrics. Let’s face it life isn’t all bubblegum and rainbows. The album’s opener, “Dope”, is smooth, sexy, and lyrically states, “If I’m also on dope when I make music, maybe my music will sound like dope.” Ängie described the track as, “a love song, but within it, I confuse love with the rush for music and drugs. It’s a love song to music, dope and the person that makes me wanna fight for it.” That statement is well back by the tracks verse line, “You got a place to rest and that’s between my thighs I press against your chest and then I realize.” “Here for my habit” depicts the relationship between the addict and the dealer and when the dealer pushes sexual advances. Thank You but no Thank You, “I’m here for my habit.”
It seems there isn’t a shortage of critics who are appalled by Ängie’s lyrics, image, and at times “fck you” attitude. This has me semi-thrown considering the lyrical content of death metal and gangsta rap. It cannot be because she is a young female since there have been female artists like Cycle Sluts from Hell and Liz Phair who were pushing the envelope in the 90’s. Is it geographical? Sweden has given us a slew of melodic death metal bands and industrial artist Tim Skold. Ängie referred to Sweden as being “too sensitive.” (Get with the times, folks. Women aren’t cooking, cleaning, Holy Homemakers anymore and haven’t been for quite some time.)
Ängie has an astonishing vocal talent. A jazzy lounge style but with an Adele type of projection in the way that it seems to come effortless and more soulful than produced. Laying predominantly in the veins of electronic, trap, and chill, there are at times R&B hints. Suicidal Since 1995 is pioneering the continuous push for expressive freedoms. Musically the production value is above par and if you have some good subwoofers in your trunk, you’ll get the best back massage.
The album closes out with a great interpretation and revamping of The Velvet Underground’s ‘Venus In Furs’, which is hands down one of those songs you cringe at the thought of someone butchering it, but not in this instance. Surprisingly she not only did it justice, but she nailed it dead on.
Ängie has a lot of history that I don’t have enough room to write about here, but here is hoping you dig a little deeper into her past and how she defines herself and music. There is more than meets the eye. Her talent deserves applause not only for her ability as a musician but her willingness to go against the grain and express herself.
Don’t forget to follow Ängie via Facebook. She is definitely an artist that belongs in your playlist.
by Madison Blom | Mar 13, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Stealing the stage with their newest self-titled album, Swoll is enticing the masses with their latest single “Shake”. The single is riddled with killer synth loops and hypnotizing harmonies that are sure to be featured in other tracks on this album as well. Not only will the full album have a universal message, but project star Matt Dowling also hopes that his music will be introspective and personal for all of his listeners.
This album was deeply rooted in Dowling’s need to express let go of what he called, “trauma.” In his own words, “That’s the beautiful thing about music and art: they provide a mechanism to release in a healthy and meaningful way, whether you’re the maker or the viewer/listener.” Stylistically, Dowling has been able to mesh together elements of several different genres in a new and memorable way unlike what we’ve seen from his other projects. Thorough careful songwriting, her is able to unite pop, electro, rock and other major genres with seamless effort.
Although Dowling has been on a roller coaster that has brought him success and hardship, Swoll is set up to succeed in a new and exciting way.
Swoll is available now.
by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 28, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Two-piece band The Lagoons (brothers Joey and Ryan Selan) are back at it again with a perfect single, “Close My Eyes (And I Wonder)”. Originally from Los Angeles, they moved to Austin, TX and started The Lagoons together. After the success of their 2016 track, “California”, the duo is gearing up to release their EP, Escape, on April 6th. Now, they have released “Close My Eyes (And I Wonder)”, which will appear on Escape.
Full of smooth-synthy indie pop vocals and sax, The Lagoons have cooked up quite a fantastic track with “Close My Eyes (And I Wonder). Fans of Fitz & the Tantrums or COIN will definitely vibe to this song, as well as fans who are new to alternative/indie music. One of the best aspects of “Close My Eyes (And I Wonder) is its universal appeal to a variety of ears. Older listeners will appreciate the 70s nostalgia of the track, while a younger crowd will inevitably dig its on-trend indie sound. Keep an eye out for The Lagoons’ new EP, Escape, out April 6th.
Stay connected with The Lagoons:
Instagram – Twitter – Facebook
