by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Toronto-based six-piece Century Thief has just dropped a brand new single, “406,” off their upcoming EP Deaf Beneath the Waves, out May 4. Deaf Beneath the Waves will be the second record from Century Thief, following their 2015 debut record, Reviere. The six-piece experimental indie band is made of bassist Dante Matas, vocalist/guitarist Omar Shabbar, Kathryn Kearns on keys, wind, and vocals, Adam Reid handling brass, Michael Legere on guitar and vocals, and drummer Colin McNally.
Their new single, “406” encompasses frenzied emotion through varied instrumentation paired with clear but complex lyricism and vocals. The track is not only impressive in and of itself, but also because Century Thief self-produced it (and all their new material), working on their new songs since spring of 2016. With the ability to appeal to a variety of tastes, “406” covers many musical aspects within the the space of a song.
Says the group of their new single: “406,” is about trying to close the growing distance between two people in a failed relationship. It explores ideas of false hope and the harsh realities of a newfound loneliness, pulling at loose threads through selective memory.”
Stay up to date with Century Thief:
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by Madison Blom | Apr 24, 2018 | albums, review
Coming out of a very successful year with a new album Sweet Decay that has already risen on some of the most acclaimed foreign charts is Ireland based singer/songwriter Ciaran Lavery.Not only has he had the opportunity to play on some of the biggest stages and has gathered thousand of dedicated fans, but he has the skill and talent that support his rapidly growing success. Recently, he has been awarded the Northern Ireland Music Prize for is 2016 album Let Bad In. Along with this tremendous achievement, Lavery has acquired over a million followers on Spotify and he doesn’t plan to stop there.
Throughout this wonderful album, Lavery explores self-growth and reflection through his smooth, hypnotic beats and rhythm. Vocally, it can be said that he has a very melodic voice that blends easily with the beautifully composed guitar and percussion portions of each of the tracks on the album. This attribute of Lavery’s sound is especially highlighted in, “Bones 4 Blood,” which is then followed up by a much lighter track, “Wicket Teeth.” Without a doubt, however, one of the greatest skills that this up and coming artist exhibits is the ability to fill each lyric with the appropriate emotion that almost seems tangible in the atmosphere as one sits and enjoys the musical masterpiece that Lavery has put together for his fans. In he future, this international star hopes to move his success across a grander demographic and hopes to continue to perform for adoring fans that appreciate the poetic lyricism of all of his music.
Keep up with Ciaran Lavery here.
by Madison Blom | Apr 24, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Out with an exciting new video, created to accompany one of his greatest singles to date, “We’ve Got Love,” is up and coming, rising talent, Calan Mai. Since the release of the single, fans all over the country have fallen for this infectious Australia-based artist. Due to this positive reaction, it comes as no surprise that the colorful visual spectacle that now accompanies this track is another success on Mai’s resume. At first glance, this music video encompasses a light hearted folk-vibe that fills the room with joy and light. However, as one considers the wonderful lyrics, there is a deeper meaning that speaks of unconditional love and family.
While listening to this beautifully light track, it is hard not to fall in love with the clean vocals and feeling of happiness that often surrounds work produced by Mai. In an article written in Glide, it described Mai’s track as “Distinct folk-pop… soaring vocals delivered with warmth and ease, intricate lyricism and detailed storytelling… the states will certainly be hearing more of his unique song-craft.” Without a doubt this Australian artist has a bright future ahead of him as he continues to team up with those who enhance his already natural and pure sound.
Keep up with Calan Mai here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Apr 24, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
With a blossoming career in music, multi-talented singer-songwriter Brittany Campbell is currently on the cast for Chicago’s run of Hamilton and starring in the Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It. The songstress is on the rise in music and nothing will stop her rising career.
Brittany Campbell is getting geared up to release her new album April 28th Stay Gold. From that album is her song “My Garden”, which is a song that gets you to relax. The song has a soulful R&B sound to it and it accompanied by a reggae backdrop. “My Garden” is a great opening to Campbell’s debut album.
Keep your eyes peeled for Stay Gold , which will be released April 28th.
by Abby Trapp | Apr 24, 2018 | albums, review
Following up on his album Home, singer-songwriter Nathan Evans Fox has released his new album Texas Dust. The Atlanta based singer has a penchant for folk, and is bringing his country roots to his latest work. A North Carolina native, Nathan was immersed in the sounds of folk, bluegrass, rock, and country at a young age. He is also well versed with a range of musical instruments such as the fiddle and the guitar. Texas Dust displays all the talents of Fox’s songwriting, instrumentation, and musical inspirations from his hometown.
A natural storyteller, Nathan’s lyrics tell the tale of his difficulty with religion and heritage growing up. The album is composed of eleven tracks, including the album’s title track “Texas Dust.” Out of those eleven tracks, my personal favorites are “Texas Dust,” “Saint Louis,” and “Great Sky.” A bittersweet ballad to a lost love in Texas, “Texas Dust” tells the story of Nathan’s grandfather- a Southern migrant worker turned Army Sergeant who eventually left the military following the death of his young daughter. The opening line sparks personal and political controversy saying “I was raised by violent men- drinking daddy and Uncle Sam.” The chorus keeps its foreboding tone, “I can’t change all my ways, can’t change the laws of grief—back when I was 21, I was Texas Dust and you were Tennessee.”
“Texas Dust” encompasses the salty and sweet of folk, while staying personal. “Saint Louis,” a wanderlust track, discusses all the places Nathan plans to go across the USA. “It’s been a full year in Saint Louis and we still ain’t getting used to it,” sings Fox. With the Midwest blues, Fox goes on “Now I’m dreaming about that boat taking me where I want to be.” “Saint Louis” holds a feeling of hope and longing, even though Nathan is stuck there. To me, “Great Sky” is perhaps the most uplifting track on Texas Dust. With talks of starting new, Fox sings “What more do I seek from this Heaven upon me?” Fox is looking to turn a spiritual new leaf. While those three tracks remain my favorite, Texas Dust has a little bit of something for everyone- even if you are not one for folk, Nathan’s lyrical talent alone will blow you away.
Look out for Texas Dust and more from Fox here.
by Abby Trapp | Apr 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
NPR just premiered the latest from L.A. based band Hit Bargain, “Hell Is Real”, which is off of the band’s LP Potential Maximizer, out May 11th. Nora Singh, Hit Bargain’s front woman, found inspiration for the track from her experiences of small-town Ohio. She describes her experiences as a “self-imposed exile.” The frustrations are evident on this punk-rock track as Nora sings “When we’re afraid we shoot, point blank, point blank,” and “What’s far is unknown, what’s unknown makes us afraid.”
Nora further describes the core of “Hell Is Real” saying:
There is a mural in my partner’s Ohio hometown that prominently features this phrase painted in four feet letters on the side of a building. Opposite is a picture of people suffering in a lake of hellfire. I found it a funny declaration, “HELL IS REAL”, like “THE END IS NIGH”, just this warning of this intangible myth juxtaposed with this very American rust belt town that’s falling apart, losing its jobs to automation and outsourcing. The lyrics revolve around xenophobia and Capitalist complacency.
“Hell Is Real” is not an average punk-rock track and draws on reals problems faced today by many.
Tour Dates
April 13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Emerald House w/Post Life, Media Jeweler
May 12 – Los Angeles, CA @ Rec Center
June 16 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Explosion
June 18 – Burlington, VT @ Hope All Is Well
June 19 – Boston, MA @ O’Brien’s Pub
June 21 – Brooklyn, NY @ Alphaville
June 22 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Barbary
June 23 – Baltimore, MD @ Joe2
June 27 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
June 28 – Detroit, MI @ Trixie’s
June 30 – Hamilton, ON @ The Casbah (all-ages matinee)
Keep up with Hit Bargain here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Apr 23, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New York based artist Sam Himself has made a name for himself with his new single “Heartphones”. With a classic take on rock, “Heartphones” gives the listener a taste of dreams, hope, and commitment. The song talks about having to take sacrifices to get to where you want to go in life.
“Heartphones” tests the question of how far you are willing to go for something you love. The track is a love song that tugs at your emotions and plays a part in your decision making when it comes to questioning big decisions you have to make in life.
Keep up with Sam Himself here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Apr 23, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Alexx Mack is back with her brand new song titled “Uncomfortable”. The Los Angeles based singer debuted her track after a year long hiatus. “Uncomfortable” is a song about people in relationships that try to bring their partner down instead of lifting them up and encouraging them. The track is all about letting your beliefs that your partner once silenced out and showing that there is more to you than having your dreams questioned.
“Uncomfortable” goes into reclaiming your power instead of letting others bring you down. The song is powerful and makes a statement for those who want to be heard. The track encourages women to show who they are despite what the world says.
Keep up with Alexx Mack here.
by Madison Blom | Apr 23, 2018 | albums, review
Sine the release of his wildly successful synth laid single, “Let It Go,” singer/songwriter Lonely Benson has been working towards the release of his newest self-titled LP. Not only is “Let It Go” the perfect sneak peak to this wonderfully laid back LP, but every song that Lonely Benson contains is full of the same indie pop magic that fans have come to love from this artist. Throughout the entire release, the listener is taken through story after story that has been perfectly executed with the use of clever lyricism and dreamy vocals. One of tracks in particular, “Lazy Lover” aligns itself to this description. Lonely Benson is the ideal listen for any occasion or circumstance–whether you are spending time with friends, laying on the beach, or on a drive by yourself in the countryside.
Throughout all of his tracks, fans will fall in love with all of the thrillingly nuanced synth-pop influences and skillful guitar work. Along with this killer skills in his back pocket, Lonely Benson has the unique ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere with his music that is both infectious and highly coveted. Without a doubt, this artist has what it takes to make it big time, seeing as there is already a significant amount of buzz surrounding this new project. Since his debut as an artist, he has been featured on Apple Music’s alternative list and has been awarded over 2 million streams on Spotify. Along with killing it with his now millions of stream, he has also created a following through his coverage everywhere from Indie Shuffle to KickKickSnare. No doubt, this new album is going to satisfy all of those who have jumped on the Lonely Benson band wagon.
Keep up with Lonely Benson here.
