by Karina Marquez | Aug 8, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Night Shop is the latest project of former touring drummer-turned-songwriter Justin Sullivan, and he has released a new single from his upcoming debut album In the Break, which is set to be released on September 14. “The Ship Has Sailed” is a folksy ballad with a very contemplative nature. The pairing of dreamy vocals and the constant strumming of a gentle guitar reminds me of Paul Simon. The melody is slow and his voice is soothing, but his lyrics are heartbreakingly honest:
Two days, four months, three years and still no spring,
I’m just counting down until there is nothing.
Your heart breaks as well, oh well, tell the tale.
Despite the somber recount of a lost love, it isn’t an entirely sad song, and that is because of its emotional honesty. The song is parallel to the feeling of driving on an empty highway just before dawn – it’s dark and lonely, but it’s also hopeful, and you’ll eventually get to wherever you’re going.
Be sure to listen to Night Shop’s debut album due out next month (plus a nationwide tour), and keep up with him here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 8, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New York-based musician Charlie Phllps is ready to enchant your Wednesday with his soulful new track “Little Red Light”. From the first lines, his vocals take center stage, the instrumentals largely joining in later on in the track. At moments, the song is reminiscent of a modern spin on the late Michael Jackson. The percussion in “Little Red Light” is notable, utilized in a way that makes it almost impossible not to dance in some way to this song. And though the overarching theme is a bit more melancholy than the energy of the song would indicate, we feel like we have a special power — that we might even be a little stronger — listening to this song.
Keep up with Charlie Phllps here.
by Ashleigh Lee | Aug 7, 2018 | snapshot, visual
On July 30th, Denver-based rock collective In The Whale played to an excited crowd at Riot Room in Kansas City, MO. Photographer Ashleigh Lee was on hand to capture the energy for us.
Keep up with the band here.
by Gemma Harewood | Aug 7, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Making their debut release on quickly establishing label Paradise Circus is Berlin-based duo WUSA, who have dropped an undeniable banger in the form of “Ghost.” While there’s a touch of modern R&B to “Ghost,” the general feel is a stellar electronic vibe. IIVES’ languorous yet assertive vocals take the lead on this slice of weekend bliss, a song which should stay on the playlist of beach parties, impromptu park drinking sessions and rooftop gatherings throughout the summer.
It’s a glorious new release that deserves your attention – hit play below to soak it up.
Keep up with WUSA here.
by ImperfectFifth | Aug 7, 2018 | soundtrack
This is a collection of songs that inspired “Waste” and its production.
Keep up with Yify here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 6, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Train stopped through Kansas City a couple of weeks ago, and we got the pleasure of enjoying their set as they opened for the illustrious Hall & Oates at Sprint Center. The band made a point to hit all the high notes, working their way through hits like “Drops of Jupiter”, “Hey, Soul Sister”, “Drive By”, “50 Ways to Say Goodbye”, “Meet Virginia”, and many more. Though on previous tours, the band has married couples on stage during “Marry Me”, we were happy to see there weren’t any shenanigans around that this time around.
Though we did witness at least one proposal during that song.
Between songs, Pat Monahan regaled the crowd with selfies, yoga poses, and more. Ever the ladies man, we didn’t stop hearing about his performance for the remainder of the night. And we totally get the hype.
by Chad Bennett | Aug 6, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Middle of The Map Fest 2018 brought insane amounts of talent from all corners of the U.S., though none as impressive as our Kansas City-based lineup. (That is, if we do say so ourselves.) Check out some photos of Wonderfuzz, Pageant Boys, Fullbloods, The Beholders, and Other Americans below!
by Chad Bennett | Aug 6, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Middle of The Map 2018 was absolutely insane. Not only was it one of the hottest weekends in Kansas City of the year thus far, but there was construction on every corner, and a lot of other events happening in the area. Despite all of the hullabaloo, we were able to nab some photos throughout the weekend. Below, check out some shots of Sports, Red Shahan, The Vik G. Trio, Calvin Arsenia, and Belle & The Vertigo Waves.
by Karina Marquez | Aug 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Portland band The Stubborn Lovers are here for a good time with their latest single “Drivin’ 22.” Their country-rock vibe shines in this track with an authenticity that only that kind of music can bring. The electric guitar riffs and upbeat vocals make for an extremely catchy tune. The lyrics relate to the child in all of us. They are bursting with nostalgia, with vivid opening imagery of a family making their way down Route 22:
Daddy’s at the wheel of a Ford Country Squire,
Mama’s putting makeup on down to the wire,
Sister’s in the back spilling Goldfish on the floor,
Shepherd’s in the way back scratching at the door.
The track is reminiscent of a simpler time by embodying the ambiance of an American summer. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to go back to the land of family road trips, fast food stops, and even the backseat fights with your siblings.
Be sure to check out their upcoming album Mother Road, out August 17. Keep up with the band here.
