by Meredith Schneider | Oct 19, 2017 | wolf tracks
Recently, Earth-based psych-rock collective Elephant Fire – made up of musicians Adam Wall, Steve Wall, Zac Colwell, and Dave Hellman – released their seven track full-length Natural Heart. Inspired by a six month journey into North America’s national parks, this album is a remarkable tribute to the beauty of the world around us, something that is easily noticeable from the very beginning with the first vintage punk-tinged track “Natural Heart”. “Come With Me” begins with a slower, more hard-hitting tempo, imploring you to “relax your feels and have some tea, come with me,” which sounds like a pretty neat idea to us, as we sit here writing this in the middle of the work week. (Looking around the office, completely unamused.)
Third track “Lovers In The Bike Lane” begins with that line exactly, then drags you into its groove with quirky bike bells and light, ethereal cymbals. Begging you to take him somewhere, anywhere, the track ends with a “ting” and throws you right into the keyboard-fueled intro of “Burn Me Up”. The keys end abruptly, and you’re pulled into a world of pure rock, as the sounds swirl you around through a fiery kaleidoscope of early love. And while “It’s Alright” begins with a cacophony of light instrumentals, the repetition of the line “It’s Alright” makes you realize that – even with the quirky sound effects that don’t quite seem as though they belong – everything is going to be A-OK.
“It’s Rising” has a little bit more of a dark undertone to it, though we wouldn’t necessarily call it dark. Wall’s vocals are breathy, more sultry in their conviction. There are parts of the track that make you feel like you might be losing your damn mind, but those are the pieces that make this such an incredible head banging track, so we’re all for it. And, just like that, “Karmic Siege” sieges the spotlight as the final track of Natural Heart, leading its listeners into a mid-tempo instrumental section that speaks to the hippie in all of us.
Our normally insatiable eardrums are pleased.
Natural Heart is available now. Keep up with Elephant Fire here.
by ImperfectFifth | Oct 18, 2017 | wolf tracks
On October 27th, we will get the undeniable pleasure of welcoming Pittsburgh-based pop/rock collective Donora‘s fourth full-length Sun To Me into the world. The trio’s most recent single – a light, fresh track titled “This Heart” – gives us a sneak peek into what’s to come, but we wanted to know more. So we sat down with the band to learn the ins and outs, while begging the important questions… like how do you get along with your sibling in a creative and professional environment?
Clearly, it’s something we have yet to master.
What is the first album/song you remember hearing, and who introduced it to you?
The first album I bought with my own money was the Lion King Soundtrack (not sure if that one counts). Around the same time my brother bought me the (What’s the Story) Morning Glory album by Oasis for my birthday. I think he bought it for me so that he could steal it and listen to it himself, but I ended up loving that album and still do! I wouldn’t let him have it.
Casey and Jake… As siblings, do you two get along, or are there kerfuffles? What’s the dynamic like?
We definitely get along! Jake is 5 years older than me, so there has never been that competitiveness or clashing that sometimes happens when siblings are closer in age. In fact, we weren’t all that close growing up (I think I was just his annoying little sister for a long time). But when we started playing music together that all changed. We’re pretty good at acknowledging each other’s strengths and our own weaknesses. Since we grew up in the same home, I think we also have a very similar style of communication, which helps keep us on the same page most of the time. Sure there’s the occasional kerfuffle, but at the end of the day we’re family.
“Sun To Me” feels like the track at the end of an inspiring movie, begging its audience to leave with light hearts and chase their dreams. How do you imagine people listening to it? I hope people indulge in this song Risky Business style. Music cranked, comfy clothes (i.e. pants off), dancing around their house, lip synching (or better yet singing along at the top of their lungs), just doing them. One person dance parties are the best.
What inspired that track, specifically?
Well this one started out as a love song. It’s about someone being a source of light in your life. But while we were recording this song, I was pregnant. I now have a 10 month old daughter and so this song takes on a slightly different meaning for me because of that. Actually, a lot of the songs on the album mean something different to me now than they did when we were first writing them.
You have admitted your fourth album is about love and the light music can bring to your life. We’ve certainly struggled with darker times lately, and were wondering what your go-to tracks have been in the past to keep your chin up?
One song that can always brighten my mood is
The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love”. There’s something about that song that always just makes me feel happy.
What is your favorite track off the upcoming release? Any particular reason?
“So Simple” is one of the ones that changed meanings drastically for me throughout this process. It started as a song about the joy a simple smile can bring to your life. Then it morphed into a love song. Then while we were recording the vocals, I was 8 months pregnant and feeling my baby move, so I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like when my child smiled at me. I can say now that it truly is extraordinary! I guess that’s why it’s my favorite on the album.
If you could collaborate with any artist on any medium, who would you choose and what would you create?
I would love to make a movie with Paul Thomas Anderson. I have always been fascinated with the story of his collaboration with Aimee Mann for Magnolia. We’ve done a little bit of film work in the past, and it has been so much fun. Trying to create the perfect mood for a specific scene is such a rewarding challenge!
What are you most excited about with the upcoming release of Sun To Me?
I’m just excited for people to finally hear it. We’ve been working on it for a long time so it will feel good to actually put it out there!
Anything else you’d like to add?
I think it’s important to be vocal about what you believe in and to stay engaged. But I also think it’s important to give yourself a break and forget about it all every once in a while. We hope this album can help provide that necessary escape!
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Get that necessary escape on October 27th, when Sun To Me drops. It is available for preorder now. Keep up with Donora here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 18, 2017 | wolf tracks
Hailing from Detroit and now residing and writing in New York, musician J. Cobb recently released a little taste of his upcoming album No Filter, a single titled “Another You” featuring Bo Napoleon. This song couldn’t have been produced with more finesse, Bo Napoleon’s crooning vocals laying smoothly on top of jazzy instrumentals. A complimentary track, it is sung in first person to a love interest, asking, “Where did he find you?” almost innocently. Then he follows up by confidently stating “Cuz he gon have to find another you.” Redemption is found in J. Cobb’s rap verses, discussing how he does and can treat this woman better than her previous significant other. A love note and a proposal all in one, though it’s just the beginning of our love story with J. Cobb.
“Another You” is available now. Keep up with J. Cobb here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 18, 2017 | wolf tracks
New Jersey’s 8-piece self-proclaimed “power mariachi” band Amigos, Amigos! – expertly comprised of Chuck Salamone, Nick Evans, Tina Aragona, Jarrett Walser, Mario Correa, Joe Christianson, Dave DeMair, and Billy Hughes – recently released their latest track “Birds” off their upcoming Music Box EP. A slow instrumental build reminiscent of early 2000s pop/punk, the track takes on an almost sultry feel to it when the vocals are introduced. It is in this sound space where the magic happens, and lyrics like “we could light a room without a single spark” paint a vivid picture for listeners. With subtle tempo changes, beautiful horns, and almost disruptive instrumental solos, “Birds” is a thrilling break from the every day.
Keep up with Amigos, Amigos! here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 18, 2017 | wolf tracks
Recently, UK electro pop/rock quintet The Ramona Flowers – comprised of Dave Betts, Steve Bird, Ed Gallimore, Sam James, and Wayne Jones – released not only their phenomenally upbeat single “Strangers”, but its accompanying official lyric video as well. A track about meeting a stranger and enjoying their company for a night or so, “Strangers” is a true “live while you can”, “feel alive and be free”-type of club anthem. Admits Bird, “It’s about when you meet somebody and that first sort of whirlwind of how great it is. It’s wanting to repeat it all again.” On the flip side, we can imagine a long-term and well-versed couple utilizing this song to spice up their love life. (But, really, who are we?)
The lyric video takes on the same mood as the song, the funk-tinged music and warmly backlit, white text make the entire situation feel like a disco. We’re ready to put on our (platform) dancing shoes and boogie into the night with this fresh track.
Keep up with The Ramona Flowers here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 18, 2017 | wolf tracks
In the midst of the lead up to Holy Wars‘ full-length Mother Father, a new track titled “Cruel World” has emerged from the production process to tease us even further into a tailspin. Kat Leon’s vocals – alluring as always – ensnare you as they walk a fine line between intensely dark and multifaceted, as she repeats “Oh, it’s a cruel world, it’s a cruel world” over crashing drums and heavy, layered guitars. The track feels like the living representation of heavy chains, the message dragging you down slightly while simultaneously challenging you to make the most of this “Cruel World”.
“Cruel World” is available now. Keep up with Holy Wars here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 17, 2017 | 5 to 7
In the wake of the release of Broke Royals‘ emotion-filled video for “As Long As I Can See” – and in the direct lead up to the release of their self-titled album in November – we had a few very pointed questions for the band. Formed in 2014 shortly after graduating from the same University (William & Mary, but who’s keeping track?), Collin Cross asked Philip Basnight to record some demos at his recording studio so he could gauge interest from potential clients. But they immediately clicked with their music, and have developed into the duo we see before us today. As we prep for their upcoming folk-tinged pop/rock album, check out our brief interview – as well as their latest video – below!
What is the first song or album you ever remember hearing, and who introduced it to you?
Philip: The first song I remember hearing is Smokey Robinson’s “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me,” which is wild because it could be the best song ever recorded. It’s almost a bad thing haha. Where do you go from there?! It’s the perfect pop song. It was on a soundtrack that my family listened to in my house on Saturday mornings while we made waffles. Later, my cousin gave me a burned copy of The Stroke’s “Room On Fire.” That was the first album I owned myself. Again, my family helped me get off to a strong start. “Room On Fire” got heavy rotation in my discman.
Colin: My family listened to music constantly growing up. In all our early family videos and pictures we’re dancing (see attached). The first specific memory I have of this was sitting in our living room with AC/DC’s Back in Black album blaring and my dad air drumming and telling me how drummers play the kick drum with their feet. The first album I remember pronouncing my favorite was Third Eye Blind’s self-titled album. Another album showed to me by my parents, but 3eb is definitely a band that has a special space in the shared Broke Royals heart having been one of the first concerts Philip and I worked together when we were on our college’s programming board.
Inline image 1
Philip:
^^^Colin Cross… born to rock.
Colin:
… what’d ya say, Philip?
Broke Royals – as many know now – was kind of a happy accident musical project with you two. How has your process evolved since the early days?
Philip: Honestly, it’s not wildly different from the early days but it is very refined now. Things generally start with an acoustic demo and blossom from there. The studio process has evolved the most. A lot of the time, we have a sixth sense for the what the other is thinking. Whether it’s a tone or a production trick, once one of us starts to say an idea the other can usually finish the sentence. That’s a really exciting feeling.
Colin: Definitely agree with Philip 100% here. Our producer, John Naclerio, would always rib us for not fighting.
We imagine you spend quite some time together. Any pet peeves or interesting stories you’d like to shed light on about each other? (We want all your secrets!)
Philip: I know what I would say if I was Colin! I think I was late to every recording session for an entire year. I had to take 95 South to get to the studio and never once got my timing right. I listened to so many audiobooks that year. Also, I think Ben and Caleb, who are touring members of the band, get pretty tired of our obsession with tacos and coffee. Every time we’re in a new town, we have to find the best tacos and coffee.
Colin: Philip is OBSESSED with Ezra Keonig’s Beats One show “Time Crisis.” Anytime we’re on the road we’re listening to it full blast. Benji and Caleb get tired of my and Philip’s love for podcasts and audiobooks in general. We’re a funky bunch, but we’re certainly grandpas at heart.
Ooooo… Philip also can’t hang past like 10 pm if we’re out drinking. He’ll just start falling asleep at the bar. He’s learned to just pregame with coffee, though.
Philip: All true. Not ashamed. PS it’s KOENIG*, duh. #8minuteCapeCod
Your track “As Long As I Can See” is both beautiful in displayed vocal content, but has this almost hypnotic sound to it. What was the production process like for this track, and what specifically inspired it?
Philip: Thank you! The structure came together in the demo but the production really came together in the studio. We went up to NADA studio in New York because we knew John Naclerio could handle some of the bigger elements of the record. Colin’s drum parts and the guitar riffs came through really well with John.
Colin: The production on this song was really fun. We knew we wanted it to feel really sparse yet sonically full, so we used only one guitar take that we re-amped through several different amps to get a really wide, full stereo sound. John also really helped us bring out the space in this track in a beautifully subtle way.
How do you imagine people listening to this track?
Philip: To me, this song is the closest we’ve ever gotten to a club banger. It’s got heavy rock elements but I can still see people putting it on to dance. We like blurring genre-lines.
Colin: Definitely in the middle of the blizzard sitting a wingback chair. It’s a warm jam with a cold body.
Philip: I hope one day our Wikipedia page says “Broke Royals invented Blizzard Rock.”
Your self-titled debut is in the works. How does it feel to be getting ready to release that?
Philip: It feels great! We worked on this album for a long time and that can be exhausting but every time we release a new song or video we get to see it again through new eyes. That’s really when it becomes bigger than just us. Anyone who listens to the album will bring their own experiences and interpretations to it.
Colin: I’m so excited to get this bad boy out. Some of the unreleased tracks are my favorite we’ve ever written and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.
Who is your favorite superhero, and why?
Philip: Spider-Man. Even with all the movie reboots he’s been dragged through- I still love him. I was at “Spider-Man: Homecoming” on opening night. When I was growing up (before wikipedia) I had this giant book called “The Complete Guide To Spider-Man” and I read it so many times that it fell apart. Then my parents bought me a new copy but the same thing happened again. Superheroes are irresistible for kids with big imaginations. That was definitely me. I’ll always love Spidey. Man, I sound nerdy.
Colin: Batman. The idea of a superhero who could actually exist is great. I like to think that I’m just a few thousand push-ups and several billion dollars away from being him.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Philip: Anytime I get to mention Smokey Robinson in an interview, it’s been a success.
Colin: A studio session isn’t complete without a PB&J sandwich, coffee, and huge salad.
Philip: Very true. We are pro-Salad.
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Broke Royals is out November 17th. Follow Broke Royals’ pro-Salad adventures here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 17, 2017 | snapshot
On September 23rd, Nashville-based artist Creamer took the stage for the second time to open for the storied Wilco at the Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland in Kansas City. We got the opportunity to follow Phil around while he prepped for the show, nabbing a few glamour shots around the way. Here are just a few selects from the show!
Keep up with Creamer here.
