by Meredith Schneider | Dec 13, 2019 | albums, review
It’s been out for a hot second, but Stimmerman — the songwriting project of storied bassist and producer Eva Lawitts — recently released their debut 12-track full-length, Goofballs. High energy — even scattered, at times — this collection of tracks feels experimental, cutting edge. While Stimmerman plays with sonic boundaries and far-reaching, impactful vocal abilities, we get a look into the mind of no less than a genius.
Stimmerman has been quoted saying:
The album is more or less about loss and survivor’s guilt- it’s a meditation on a friend’s fatal drug overdose at a young age through that lens.
Side A of the album focuses on looking back at the environment in which our friendship started- pressures imposed on children to be successful, growing up too fast in all the wrong ways, and the often-debauched nature of our great and terrible adolescence here in Brooklyn. Side B, which is home to the song ‘Painted Smile,’ centers me more as an unreliable narrator, and features songs about grief and culpability in a close friend’s death some of which are, I believe, misguided.
With that very specific and captivating take, we dive in to what proves to be one of the most insightful and impactful albums of 2019.
Its story is unique and emotional, and with that Stimmerman brings her own brand of vocal rawness to each track. “Child’s Play” has a soundscape led by crashing cymbals, while “Elaine” builds to that point, beginning almost hesitantly in its pace. Even with the heartbreaking subject matter, Stimmerman only truly slows it down for eighth track “Long Formal Letter”, keeping us on our toes, just guessing where the musical progression will take us next. Single “Painted Smile” has perhaps one of the more chipper sounding ambiances to it, however its bittersweet truth ends the album with an almost cliffhanger feel to it.
It seems we shouldn’t be taking all words at face value. For those of you who haven’t gotten the reference yet, Goofballs isn’t to be seen as a group of silly friends this go around. And that’s OK. Not everything can be carefree. And to take such an intense life experience and be so vulnerable with it? It’s rare to be this seen as an artist, and we’re on board with Stimmerman’s delivery 100%.
Keep up with Stimmerman here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 12, 2019 | soundtrack, videos
The holidays are fast approaching, but the music industry is not showing any signs of slowing down on new releases. We’re keeping some new music videos close as our favorite new visuals, and want to share them with you. (As if it’s new… been doing it for a while now. But you know that. Of course.) We’ve got some great ones from Brooke Candy, Vanessa Carlton, Colony House, Bleed From Within, and more, so check it out now and perhaps swing back around later for more!
Come back for more all month!
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 12, 2019 | premieres, videos
Atlanta-based rock collective Lesibu Grand is comin’ atcha hot with a new music video for their single “Runnin’ Round” today, and we have the exclusive premiere. The video matches the energy of the track, bringing in quite a number of humorous shenanigans from the band members themselves, while lead vocalist Tyler-Simone Molton adventures around town on a scooter. Bright pops of animation and an incredible kaleidoscope of colors makes this all the more fun and fancy-free. Check it out below, and let us know your thoughts on Facebook!
The Legend of Miranda was released on October 4th. Keep up with Lesibu Grand here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 11, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
If you’re looking for a tranquil soundscape, decorated with smooth, Swedish vocals, then Alec Baker‘s “Lava Pool” is next to throw on your short list. (Or just trust us and add it to your “vibes” playlist for the season.) And if you’ve ever been in a situation where you lose track of time because you’re so enveloped in conversation and revelry, or the eyes of another, then this song will speak to you in ways indescribable.
Pop this on and get lost in that winter love.
Keep up with Alec Baker here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 10, 2019 | videos, wolf tracks
“Adah” is Act I of the short film “WIDOW” by Crywolf. It is both a music video and an ominous, dark vignette from this incredible talent. Spoken poetry, with dark visuals and an established intensity that rivals classic horror films. What the artists involved have done with this gorgeous music piece is one of the most remarkable things we have seen this year yet. And this isn’t it, either. His full-length is gorgeous, and Act II of the film was released first and is available with the track “Mabul“.
Admits Crywolf of the 3 part series:
The series tells the story of a man’s descent into madness. He loses his mind and, thinking he is being directed by an angelic force, ends up killing the very thing he loves most. When he realizes what he has done, he’s devastated and jumps off a pier to escape. It turns out (in the third video) that he can’t die, and he is still haunted by the memory of his lover.
It’s a metaphor for my own struggle with mental illness, and the tumultuous realities of life as an artist. Pursuing these ethereal and magnificent concepts is so captivating, but can sometimes drive you to the edge of your sanity, and can cause you to hurt the things you love most… whether that is people around you, or parts of yourself. But, as the third act shows, those things are never really gone. They live on and won’t leave until they are accepted and integrated.
Written and Directed by Crywolf and Roniit | Cinematography by Roniit | Edited by Roniit and Crywolf | Coloring by Devin Schiro | Additional Footage from Shelby Parks
Keep up with Crywolf here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 10, 2019 | videos, wolf tracks
Burgeoning artist Talker releases her new music video for single “Learning the Feeling” today, and we’ve been anticipating this release for quite some time. We were lucky enough to speak with Talker in our podcast this year, and we’re thrilled with the new music she’s been releasing. Powerful, transformative, badass. When you realize the theme of anxiety and hidden emotion, this song — and its accompanying video — feels like a particularly beautiful release. And all of that is just multiplied with the new visual. Follow one of your new favorite artists as she wields a baseball bat, angsty vocals, and a jumpsuit.
Just the perfect amount of attitude.
Keep up with Talker here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 9, 2019 | soundtrack, wolf tracks
This is truly going to be a December to remember, and I’m sorry if that makes this soundtrack feel like an end of year car savings spectacular. Normally, this time of year brings with it more of a peaceful quiet in the music industry, as everyone slows down for some time off. But this year, things seem to be ramping up at the end of the year. The industry is buzzing while everyone is buzzing at their holiday parties, and we’re throwing new music at you left and right. Check out our December soundtrack, with songs from ILLENIUM, M. Ward, Kali Uchis, Circa Waves, Myoa, Griff, and more!
Check back all month for new additions to this Spotify list. Remember to save it to your favorites!
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 9, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Pop rock collective The Wrecks have just released a new party ballad, for lack of a more accurate term. Smooth, cavalier vocals with quite the impressive range, the song maintains its fun disposition despite the interesting topic choice. Regardless of how you feel about The Wrecks trying to throw a wrench into life with these lyrics, you’re probably going to be the first one caught belting this song out in the car or shower.
If we don’t beat you to it.
Keep up with The Wrecks here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 6, 2019 | videos, wolf tracks
Eyedress‘ new video for “Jealous” visually matches its audio counterpart, as it is equal parts west coast surf/skate rock and 60s-inspired psych, all culminated in a video that brings with it a very specific vintage appeal. It looks like a Nirvana throwback, 90s MTV vibes and all. As Eyedress plays guitar up and down the coast, we also witness some rad boarding skills, brah. 😉
We’re fans. Even the jackets make it feel a bit less wintry around here.
Keep up with Eyedress here.
![crywolf, “adah” [fawn official video]](http://imperfectfifth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/74680801_2527774377304446_1884205339620933632_n-e1577720596292.jpg)
