by Abby Trapp | May 18, 2018 | albums, review
Chicago’s own Hidden Hospitals is excited to share the release of their new album Liars, which is officially out today. “Razor Blades” is the first track to kick off the album, and shows off Hidden Hospital’s pop-punk flare. “I want it all but everything won’t fit,” proclaims the band. The track remains angsty with lines like “rush to the razor blades” and “haunted crosses” highlighted among others. The title track “Liars” is very ethereal, more reminiscent of outer space. “Liars have lips who call out love,” the upbeat electronic pop track sings. “Liars” remains upbeat and funky, but with a sad lyrical message.
My personal favorite track is “Better Off”. On this post-apocalyptic track, Hidden Hospitals touches on the aftermath of a relationship and the toxic environment one can get caught up in. “I didn’t know what we had started, I couldn’t see the pieces then- pull us close found us toxic/how misleading it had been,” the band shares on a painful but truthful experience with listeners.
On the album, vocalist Dave Raymond says: “Sound is language, and our fluency and vocabulary 2018 is vast. Why not use it? I can make a guitar do anything, we can make a drum kit say or control anything, and that’s interesting to me. It’s the feeling of “kid in the garage with their amp turned all the way up.” I’m forever chasing that, and LIARS is the most recent expression of what got me there.”
Liars is available here.
by Madison Blom | May 17, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Exploring the deepest corners of the mind and the demon found there that are egged on by anxiety and guilt is the latest release from LA darling Esbie Fonte and her new single, Manumit.” Growing up surrounded by a family that was equally involved in music and frequent trips to the record store inspired her to take her sound to new heights. After spending several years attending Sarah Lawrence College, immersing herself in the education opportunities offered there. The same passion that brought her to that school also carried her across the Atlantic to deepen her understanding of the world of production. Now, fresh out of college and moved to one of the music capitals of America, Fonte is ready to take her music to a whole new level–from bedroom artist to working with one of the most successful produces around, she has released her single, “Manumit.”
One of the most enticing attributes of this single is the dreamy vocals accompanied by synth loops that seem to transport listeners to the world built by the lyrics majesty spun by Fonte herself. As a wonderful tribute to the experience one faces when attempting to battle personal insecurities, “Manumit” speaks to all who have ever face mental debilitation on any and all levels. This single was written in the center of calamity in hopes of achieving mental clarity and deeper understanding of oneself. No doubt, this is a song that will touch thousands and raise Fonte to a whole new level in the music industry as she continues to produce meaningful, flawless tracks.
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by Madison Blom | May 17, 2018 | albums, review
For aspiring artist and writer James Alex of Beach Slang – now exploring uncharted territories with his new project Quiet Slang – “Rock and roll is sort of my consolation prize for wanting to have been a writer.” Both of these dreams are fulfilled as he performs all over the world and now hears lyrics, written by his own hand, shouted back to him while performing in front of hundreds of fans. On May 18th, alt-rock project Quiet Slang is set to release its debut, Everything Matters But No One Is Listening, which has earned the attention of an overwhelming amount of fans and critics all throughout the music industry.
Setting aside all of the hype surrounding this new release, there is a wonderful kind of artistry that is woven throughout each track. Each line holds poetic, relevant meaning to anyone who is lucky enough to hear it. Accompanied by the beautiful, hypnotizing rasp of Alex’s voice, the instrumental aspects of this album embrace the minimalistic nuances that are so clearly embodied in the title of this new rock outfit, Quiet Slang. As a wonderful tribute to the roots of this genre, the almost tangible melancholy of this album is wonderfully enticing and cushioned by the powerfully emotive cellos, piano and vocal talent.
In his own words, Alex explains that this group was brought together to convey one attribute: “Tenderness. I suppose that sounds overly simplified. But, still, it makes it no less sincere. Look, I’m trying to soften the world a little bit—there’s worse ways to be remembered.”
Throughout the album, certain themes are easily recognizable, the importance of sound and how silence can be more powerful. Along with this sentiment, each track emotes events and experiences that are relevant to young listeners and things that are often experienced at that age. With so much going for this upcoming group, it is almost impossible to ignore the blatant talent that is found within each verse of lyrical genius which has brought them to where they are now.
Keep your eyes peeled this Friday, and keep up with Quiet Slang here.
by Abby Trapp | May 17, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
“Threw You” is quite the unique track with a team effort featuring three acts from Bronze Whale’s record label Magic Magic. “Threw You,” produced by Poles, is joined by Jet Horns and Soft Jaw. The track is unlike another with a Kyogo-kissed feel, focused vocals, with notes of the piano and a variety of electronic sounds. While “Threw You” starts off slow, Poles surprised me throwing down beats when unexpected, especially while the vocals were so calming. “Threw You” shows the versatility in all three artist’s and their ability to create an experimental piece of art. The way I can most accurately describe “Threw You” is ‘EDM infused Indie hit.’ The song is tantalizing and I could not stop listening once I heard it. You’ll replay it over and over again, I guarantee it.
Follow Poles: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | Spotify
Follow Jet Horns: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | Spotify
Follow Soft Jaw: Soundcloud
by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Skyler Stonestreet, noted songwriter of hits such as Dua Lipa’s “IDGAF” and the Chainsmoker’s “Kanye” has released her own anthem “Bankrupt.” Inspired by her battle and overcome of cancer, “Bankrupt” really touches on leaving the negative emotions in the past. The track hits with as electronic with sounds funky and synth beats. The chorus really touches on the meaning of the song singing “I’m bankrupt emotionally I can’t spend the another moment thinking about you.”
While the song has a somber meaning behind it, you would never know as it plays like a track you can dance to. Skyler brings us the best of both worlds on her well composed “Bankrupt.”
Keep up with Skyler here.
by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
The alternative indie DYAN is back after their latest single “What Fiction Is For,” with a cover of the Jose Gonzalez song “Cycling Trivialities.” The cover anticipates their latest EP Absence. DYAN is simply perfect for the cover which was featured on ABC’s Deception. The band brings an ethereal experience to the cover. The electronic sounds are reminiscent of an unknown journey. Even more, band founder Alexis Marsh does an excellent job on vocals, articulating each word perfect and sweetly especially with emphasis on “When it all come down, cycling trivialities.” The cover does a great job of keeping the listener alert while at the same time keeping the pace of a dreamy lullaby. Listen to Jose Gonzalez’s first and then compare the cover. You’ll see the wonderful spin that DYAN puts in “Cycling Trivialities.”
Keep up with DYAN here.
by Madison Blom | May 16, 2018 | albums, review
After her tour on NBC’s Emmy-award winning show The Voice season 13, Whitney Fenimore has found herself knee deep in a career that is just beginning. Although she has had so much happen in the space in between her tv appearance and the present, the most exciting news is yet to come as she releases her first ever full EP, Battle Within on May 18. Although the EP is scheduled to drop later in the week, we have had the chance to grab a sneak peak and are excited about Fenimore’s unique ability to seamlessly mesh so many genres–from country to folk and rock to pop.
One of the greatest skills that is highlighted by this Ep is Fenimore’s vocal flexibility. Within each individual track there is such a wide array of emotions that listeners pick up on just by the way she emotes each and every note. With each breath, this young artists draws energy and atmosphere into her long, beautiful melodies. Perhaps The Boot said it best when they proclaimed, “powerful, distinct vocals [and] strong melodies.” All three points accurately sums up all of the highlights presented in this wonderfully written and produced EP. Without a doubt, this will accelerate the career track that she has so clearly set for herself.
From being one of the strongest vocal contestants on America’s favorite pass time show to becoming one of the most credible and content reliable musicians of her time, Fenimore has nowhere to go but up as she continues to develop music that is both relevant and utterly breath taking. At age 28-the amount of quality work that we have seen is astounding. As each single on this track is unique and holds a different feel, fans are inclined to continue listening, viewing several different facades of Fenimore with each passing track. Look out for the release of Battle Within, scheduled to drop May 18. Until then check out her latest teaser, “Stones” which will be included on the release.
Battle Within is out May 18th. Keep up with Whitney here.
by Madison Blom | May 16, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Since the announcement of their first full length debut album, the hype surrounding Moorea Masa and her crew has grown exponentially and on May, 11, Shine a Light dropped and has already been named a success. Based in Portland, Oregon, this wonderfully alternative artist has a multi faceted skill set that keeps her music relevant and interesting with each passing track. Growing up in the musical mecca that is Portland, called her attention the the effect that music can have on people and immediately wanted to be part of such a great movement. After taking some time to explore the world and then finally ending back in her beloved hometown, Masa said, “This year I’ve really been digging deep into my history, my own learning lessons, and the state of the world,” she continues. “I feel like I took a light and shined it into all the darkness and beauty that I was previously too scared to look at.”
Bringing all of her soulful vocals to the level that is displayed within each track on this new album was a much needed journey for this talented young artist. Now that she has had the opportunity to work with artists across a wide spectrum of genres, some time to solidify her sound was key in producing this spectacularly bluesy, soulful album. Most of the music that Masa has release has spoken through some of the issues that our society faces today along with love, loss, hidden pain, and the politics of being a woman. With so much of her soul on the line, it is clear that this album is going to be what separates her from other artists in this genre which is going to bring her sound, yet again, to a whole new level.
Follow Moorea Masa & The Mood:
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by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
LA based duo Freedom Fry is excited about their latest song “Cold Blooded Heart.” “Cold Blooded Heart” is the newest single off is their album Classic which will be out on 6/1. Freedom Fry brings a new sound on “Cold Blooded Heart” teetering between the sound of indie, pop, and alternative. The track tells the tale of a heartless uninvolved lover. “Cold blooded heart, yeah that’s how I pegged you from the start,” sings the duo as their voices are blend seamlessly.
My favorite line is, “Seasons change but winter stays, yeah you can make it go away and all you have to do is not give up.” With the sounds of piano, drums and banjo the track makes for a catchy tune with great writing.
Look out for Classic which will release June 1st. Keep up with Freedom Fry here.
