by Meredith Schneider | Feb 13, 2019 | soundtrack, wolf tracks
While half the country is being pummeled by snow, w’ve been searching far and wide for the best new tracks of February 2019. Most of this is because we were originally supposed to go on a weekend getaway to Seattle this past weekend, and since that was canceled (HELLO, SNOW!), we have had a little more time on our hands. So, this month’s soundtrack is stacked already. And it’s only heading toward more greatness because – as you know – we continually update this sucker all month. So check below for newbies from Hugh Marsh, Gold Connections, Emarosa, Cheat Codes, Celeste, and more below!
Come back for more additions to the playlist throughout the month of February!
by Meredith Schneider | Feb 12, 2019 | videos, wolf tracks
Beginning with a little tongue in cheek dialogue, Anja Kotar‘s single “Kids” is infectious and honest, its accompanying music video no different. As the artist parades around in candy colored outfits, rocking each of them with a confidence that addresses the self love aspect of the track better than any other visual could. This is one of our new favs, and you’re going to want to check it out.
Keep up with Anja Kotar here.
by Meredith Schneider | Feb 8, 2019 | albums, review
Italian shoegaze musical act Be Forest – comprised of Costanza Delle Rose (Bass and vocals), Nicola Lampredi (Guitar), and Erica Terenzi (Drum, synths and vocals) – released their new full-length today, a swirling and intense collection of songs titled Knocturne. Beginning with the moody instrumental track “Atto I”, the soundscape doesn’t vary too much heading into “Empty Space”, though additional background vocals and reverb are layered in. By third track “Gemini”, you realize the soundscapes are all strikingly similar, and that you’re truly on an instrumental adventure that could not have been laid out – and taken as successfully – any other way. “K’ is most notable for its quirky percussion amidst the same whirring guitars and intense disposition as its predecessors.
“Sigfrido”, somehow, brings us into an even darker soundscape, making this work of art much moodier than Earthbeat, which came before it in 2014. This song belongs in a transformational film, and we’re backing that idea 100%. “Atto II” has the clear markings of its first, though definitely begins in a more mysterious place, eventually exploding into a cacophony of ominous sound.
“Bengala” has a much more noticeable 80s influence, the beginning bringing the mood back up slightly. It doesn’t altogether abandon the darkness, as there are guitar parts that simply belong on the Warped stage and iron out any feelings of overwhelming lightness we may have shifted into. We wonder most about the inspiration behind the track “Fragment”, as it is packed with finesse and strength, leading us perfectly into last track “You, Nothing” which simplifies the instrumental pace slightly, allowing us to really enjoy Costanza’s vocals.
Keep up with Be Forest here.
by Meredith Schneider | Feb 7, 2019 | videos, wolf tracks
Australian pop musician Mallrat has created yet another catchy, beautiful, melancholic track for our ears to enjoy, this time with Basenji in latest track “Nobody’s Home”. The 20 year old has taken it up a notch with the new visual to accompany the song, and it’s quite a vibrant and enjoyable way to experience the song. Theatrical, a feeling of longing ever-present, this video will make you evaluate your own love life. We’re almost certain of that.
Keep up with Mallrat here.
by Meredith Schneider | Feb 7, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Megan Rooney and Jeffrey Albert project their emotionally vibrant lyricism into the ether with the latest single, “Waves”, from their musical project Spectator. As Albert implores the object of his affection to take him “on a ride on the other side of [their] mind,” you begin to realize how vastly similar significant others and relationships can be to waves in an ocean. At times, relaxing and glowing. At others, turbulent and exciting. Either way, we’re on board with the track and think you will be too!
Keep up with Spectator here.
by Meredith Schneider | Feb 6, 2019 | albums, review
With their new 8-track album Songs Nine Through Sixteen, Denver-based psych folk rock collective DBUK provides a vitality to the cold winter weather that is incredibly welcoming, especially in the frozen tundra of the midwest. “Bonnie Clyde, The Big-Bull-Hen Of The Women’s Prison” is electrifying, starting the album energetically before slowing down immensely for “Deerslayer”. Just by the title, the listener can tell we’re going in a melancholic direction with “From The Estate Of John Denver”, though the pace and mystery pick up with the very 60s inspired “In San Francisco Bay”.
A sharp title, “Coca-Colonialism” is quirky and catchy, perhaps one of our favorites on this work. “The Misrepresentation Of The Thompson Gun” slows to an absolute crawl, and though it is a very specific journey DBUK leads you on with this track, it perhaps isn’t the most entertaining we have heard. Though we will admit the pace picks up slightly and the instrumentals are absolutely glowing. “It’s Killing Me” provides a cacophonous composition that is glittery, and vies for the title of favorite on this collection as well, while “And God Bless You” seems to be set out as the staple ending track specifically for its title. It does have a lullaby factor that we’re keen on, making this album ace to get you through the remaining cold months.
US TOUR DATES:
Thu 3/14 St Paul, MN- Turf Club
Fri 3/15 Green Bay, WI- Lyric Room
Sun 3/17 Cincinnati- MOTR Pub
Tue 3/19 Detroit, MI- El Club
Wed 3/20 Cleveland, OH- Now that’s Class
The 3/21. Buffalo, NY – Revolution Gallery
Fri 3/22 Pittsburg, PA- Cattivo
Sat 3/23 Philadelphia, PA- PhilaMOCA
Sun 3/24 Jersey City, NJ- Monty Hall at WFMU
Tue 3/26 Providence, RI- Askew
Wed 3/27 Lowell, MA -Uncharted Gallery
Thu 3/28 Boston, MA-Haymarket Lounge at City Winery
Fri 3/29 New Haven, CT- Cafe Nine
Sat 3/30 Brooklyn, NY- Safari Room at Cortez-
Sun 3/31 Washington, DC-City Winery Garden Room
Mon 4/01 Richmond, VA-Capitol Ale House/ Richmond Music Hall-
Tue 4/02 Chapel Hill, NC- Local 506
Wed 4/03 Atlanta, GA- EARL
Thu 4/04. Asheville , NC- Greg Eagle
Sat 4/6 Knoxville, TN- Pilot Light-
Sun 4/7 Nashville , TN-Little Harpeth Brewery
Mon 4/8. New Orleans, LA- Santos Bar
Tue 4/9 Houston, TX- Rudyard’s
Wed 4/10 Austin , TX – State Theater at Paramount-
Thu 4/11 Dallas, TX- Three Links
Fri 4/12. Kansas City, MO – Record Bar
Keep up with DBUK here.
by Meredith Schneider | Feb 6, 2019 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
Nashville-based rock collective Damsel and Distress has a flare for the dramatic, and is fronted by Alisha Lynn on powerful lead vocals. A true anthem for people who have been crushed by egos in relationships, their new track “Not Your Type” premieres today. The track is something you’ll want to belt out alone sometimes (a la Kelly Clarkson and Celine Dion, but not in the same style), most likely in the shower or while driving. It really provides the necessary edge we’ll be needing for our week.
Explains Alisha Lynn of the single:
There was a time—and there have been several times like it—where a guy was so very sure that I was going to come crawling after him just because of who he was. He had this mentality that every girl seemed to fall right into his hand if he wanted them and he figured that, surely, I would do the same. But oh, no. I don’t quite work that way. I wanted to write a song about how I wasn’t his type—the type to just follow him home or go along with his weird ego mind-game. When I brought the idea to the band, we wrote it as an anthemic and powerful “no.” So I guess now he’ll get the point.
“Not Your Type” officially drops on February 8th. Keep up with Damsel and Distress at www.DAMSELANDDISTRESS.com.
by Meredith Schneider | Feb 5, 2019 | albums, review
We’ve been lucky enough to have explored the talents of Jealous of the Birds in the past, but today we’re thrilled to share one of our favorite new EPs. Jealous of the Birds has released a vintage-tinged bevy of gorgeous work for our ears to soak up in the quiet moments, and to truly enjoy. Starting with “Marrow”, Naomi Hamilton weaves a wonderful sonic adventure for us, storytelling with the best of them. “New York Has A Lump In Her Throat” has a bit of a melancholic feel to it, as the title would suggest. “Blue Eyes” is the standout rock track, energetically pulling you from your seat. Even with brown eyes, we can’t stop dancing.
“Kosiskelu” imposes upon its surroundings a cocoon of comfort, a feeling of calm that is unique to Hamilton’s voice. “Clementina” is how Hamilton has chosen to complete the release, a meandering and delicately layered song that is somehow intensely heart-wrenching. Perhaps it’s the tranquil soundscape, the hint of hope in the vocals, or the palpable feelings of puppy love. Either way, Wisdom Teeth is required listening.
Keep up with Jealous of the Birds here.
by Meredith Schneider | Feb 5, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Through almost 15 years of intricate, involved lyricism – the crazy involved titles of the early days, the lineup rotations, the bevy of music videos and the expansion of Brendon’s vocal range – we’ve held on to our deep appreciation for Panic! @ The Disco. So to be asked to photograph Brendon Urie and his team of bandits at Sprint Center on Saturday night, there was zero hesitation. The performance itself was the most involved we’ve ever witnessed from the musical project, Urie’s energy palpable from the first jump out from the hole in the middle of the stage, to his last round of bows and high fives with the audience. The man absolutely thrives off of this life, and you can tell.
What, perhaps, is most notable about his show when comparing it to his performances of yesteryear – think ten years back – is that they have, somehow, become even more theatrical. That was what was so outstanding about Panic! @ The Disco when they emerged on the scene about 14 years ago, they existed as a beacon for the outcasts. The theatre kids, the gamers, the anti-socialites. And now here he is, all this time later, continuing to provide that entertaining escape for other generations, and leveling up with each step. (Just ask whoever he hired as his vocal coach in the past ten years, if you don’t believe us.)
In fact, he even took a moment during his set to bless an unborn child “in the state of Panic” which, to his credit, is a clever saying to have up his sleeve. (Or up his bare arm, depending on if he decides to keep his shirt on or not.)
Either way, here are some fun photos from the inclusive and beautiful evening.
