by Meredith Schneider | Jun 14, 2018 | show review, snapshot, visual
On Monday, June 11th – on one of the most miserably hot days of the year so far – we headed out to The Riot Room in Kansas City to pack ourselves from wall to wall like sardines and enjoy the musical stylings of Meg Myers. She admitted while on stage that it was one of her first live performances in years, and the KC crowd was pleased to have been blessed with that honor. From the very first notes of “Done”, through “Sorry”, new single “Take Me to the Disco”, “Monster”, “Make a Shadow”, and more all the way through the last notes of “Numb”, she incited an energy in her fans that is rare to find elsewhere.
Wearing mauve high waisted pants, a black crop top, and two tiny buns on the top of her head, Myers seemed to cool the room off with her robust, long-ranging vocals and the intense heart she puts into every single line she sings. Although personal favorites included “Make a Shadow” and “I’m Not Sorry”, her widest known track – “Desire” – was a riot to witness live, as the entire room was privy to every word.
The crowd that gathered was interesting as well, with no particular demographic in mind. It seems her heart and her talent is wide-reaching, touching young hearts all the way to the Jimmy Buffet-looking crowd. (You understand everything about this, don’t lie.) Her set was a reminder of the pure passion involved in the music listening experience.
Meg Myers’ cohorts on this magical night? None other than Kansas City’s Other Americans. We got what photos we could of the sold out show, between heads and as close as we could get to the madness!
**Words by Kevin Bernardi + Meredith Schneider
by Karina Marquez | Jun 14, 2018 | albums, review
Mallrat’s new EP, In the Sky, is electrifying and emotional in every way. She seems to take a piece of you and a piece of herself, giving the songs a personal yet nostalgic tone with sweet pop melodies. She also incorporates the beauty of nature in many ways, whether it be in the cover art, the accompanying videos on Spotify, or in the album title itself. It’s clear that she is inspired by everything around her, which is clearly shown in each song.
The EP opens with the cool simplicity of “Groceries.” It has a steady, bouncing beat and acoustic guitar that gives it an upbeat vibe. But the lyrics are surprisingly deep: “I just want to get groceries” shows emotional depth about what you want in a relationship. “Texas” starts off as a ballad with pretty harmonies, but as the song goes on, it becomes a track that makes you want to dance around your room. “Better” is an upbeat song with painfully honest lyrics. Her voice croons about young optimism: “Everyone’s alive so everything’s alright.” At the same time, she reminds us of how fleeting everything is when you’re young and growing up: “Maybe when the summer ends / I’ll drift away from all my friends.” This song was a personal favorite, and it really shows how personal her lyrics can be. UFO sounds like a summer Top 40 hit with its electro-pop vibe and a rap verse from fellow Australian artist Allday. The EP ends with “Make Time,” which is more subdued than the rest. it allows you to daydream and think about someone you miss.
Mallrat’s cool, unique sound is taking over the world. Not only does she sing and write her own songs, but she co-produced every song on this EP. At only 19 years old, she is a powerhouse of talent and passion.
Keep up with the latest on Mallrat here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 14, 2018 | snapshot, visual
What better way to enjoy the sunset than from the THAT Tent at Bonnaroo with Sylvan Esso? (Answer: There’s no better way.) The musicianship brought an energy to welcome the night, and we couldn’t have been put under a more vivid trance.
Keep up with Sylvan Esso here.
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 14, 2018 | snapshot, visual
The amount of times we have seen Sir Sly is pretty impressive, and we have yet to be bored by a single set of theirs. Perhaps this time – at Bonnaroo 2018 – Landon’s openness with the audience is what made us connect. Regardless, the band revived the crowd after a massive thunderstorm hit the campgrounds earlier in the day. We got a few closeups.
Keep up with Sir Sly here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 14, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Moon Taxi played as the sun began to slowly set on the last day at The Farm for Bonnaroo 2018. The crowd was revved up for the final few acts, and it showed in the photos we captured.
Keep up with Moon Taxi here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 13, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Indie pop/punk music project Holy Pinto is bringing a bevy of fun, beautiful music our way this summer, but first we’ve got the music video for their track “Gold Leaf” here for you to enjoy. Comprised entirely of video clips from tour, a really fun narration brings you along for a more intricate and specific ride in the form of subtitles, so there’s no guessing what is happening. It’s the perfect depiction of an imperfect journey, and we’re all for it.
Keep up with Holy Pinto here.
by Karina Marquez | Jun 13, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
If you want a 15-minute song that feels like two, then this one is for you. Toronto-based musical duo Freedom Baby brings its listeners more than just a single — it’s an experience. Brianna Bordihn and Eric Reid create something magical by allowing the song to transition from whimsical guitar strums and upbeat vocals to frantic drum beats and darker places. The nuanced nature makes it a perfect song for any occasion, whether it be dancing around with your friends or laying in bed as the sun rises. At times, “I Want To Give” is reminiscent of Vampire Weekend or Passion Pit; however, it is a roller coaster of emotions in a class of its own.
Keep up with Freedom Baby here.
