by Meredith Schneider | Feb 5, 2019 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
Brooklyn-based “timid rock” trio Waterfall Strainer really defines that genre, their new single “Please Don’t Please Me” further representation of that truth. Even better news? We’ve got the exclusive premiere right here. With glittering reverb, the song has touches of 80s flare, slow and vulnerable. I can’t imagine not slow dancing to it somehow, and you might agree.
Pre-save the album on Spotify here. Be sure to check out Waterfall Strainer on Instagram, Facebook, and Bandcamp!
by Meredith Schneider | Feb 4, 2019 | Uncategorized
Starting with the title track, Idaho-based teen musician Gabriella Rose spins her new Lost In Translation EP with an ethereal intensity that we haven’t experienced in a hot second. Vocals dripping with reverb, a slight twang, and a moderate tone to first draw your attention. “Dreams” takes on a darker tone, though still somehow just as transfixing vocally. It is at this point that we realize the true leader of Gabriella Rose’s body of work is her unique and radiant voice.
“Welcome To The Dollhouse” takes a deep look at mental health in a very real and emotional way, while “Requiem” drives the metaphorical melancholic truck forward, as she croons, “I stopped dreaming” along with a host of other things she is finished with, invoking a palpable sense of loss. “The Chair” and “Angel” round the 6-track work out, each addressing the topic of mental health – and allowing Gabriella Rose to explore hers in a very vulnerable way – in a very different and beautiful way.
Keep up with Gabriella Rose here.
by Meredith Schneider | Feb 1, 2019 | albums, review
February 2019 is off to a wild start, especially with today’s release of You Found Me, the full-length from Cody Votolato’s latest project JR Slayer. “JR Slayer in its current form is a sacred home for me,” admits Votolato. “It is a safe space to start new conversations with art and music and understand how I relate not only to it, but myself. Not one where I am trying to receive as much as I give to it, but one that allows me to fully realize myself while being able to step out of my comfort zone.”
Starting with the meandering pace – but huge impact – of “I’ll Never Leave You” featuring Jenny Lee, the album rolls into the slower, more delicate harmonies of “There is Nothing Else Around Me” before picking up for the slightly quirkier and more danceable “Half Lyfe”.
“Nothing & Nowhere to Hide” brings a more polished, pop sound with a vulnerable bed of lyrics, while “This Is Alone” really simplifies – and induces melancholy into – the soundscape. “I Think I Might Die” has, perhaps, the most directly morbid of titles in the collection, though at its core it is a simply beautiful love song. “In A Sea Of Anonymity” slowly layers itself, as the lyrics address fate and hope in a very wonderful way.
By this time, it’s clear that JR Slayer has a way of taking things that seem joyful, and sprinkling them with melancholy. On the flip side, he is fully capable of taking something seemingly negative and brutal (like the titles), and adding a flare for the positive. Either way, he’s managed a very tactical balancing act across the whole of the work, and we’re very impressed that it carries into “How Could Love B So Cruel?” with its lush and trudging instrumentals, and straight into the last track, “40 Extra Minutes in Heaven”.
If you don’t believe us, try it on for size. Either way, let us know what you think in the Facebook comments!
Keep up with JR Slayer here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 31, 2019 | snapshot, visual
On Saturday, January 26th, Madisen Ward & The Mama Bear took their hometown by storm with an incredible performance at The Truman in Kansas City, Missouri. Their opening act – Me Like Bees – was sure to entertain to the max, and to thank MW&MB for their kindness over the years. The night was incredible, and everyone seemed to be absolutely glowing. Get your peek into the event below!
Keep up with Madisen Ward & The Mama Bear here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 31, 2019 | soundtrack
January 2019 has been an absolute gem of a month. We’ve had some insanely inspirational moments with new videos being released left and right, and have decided to share some of our absolute favs right here! Our soundtrack isn’t comprised of every video released this month, this collection just barely grazes the top of the pile. But we’re pretty jazzed about these ones, and wanted to provide a fun distraction from real life before February kicks in. Featuring David Duchovny, Hippo Campus, PRETTYMUCH, Dream Ritual, Kelsy Karter, Taliwhoah, Lily & Madeleine, Baby Goth, and more.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 30, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
If you’re looking for a topical track, Davis, California-based pop musician Lillian Frances has a new track titled “Super Bowl Party”, and it’s jam packed with relevant social commentary that should fuel your fire. If you’re into tongue in cheek humor and honesty – and especially if you’re sick of Tom Brady to some extent – then this song is right up your alley. Fair warning, though, there is some language. So perhaps check it out before you agree to play it at your party for the big game. (What? Sports ball?)
Keep up with Lillian Frances here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 30, 2019 | premieres, videos, wolf tracks
Portland-based groove folk project Lili St Anne – comprised of Elizabeth Fagan, Jason Miller, and Sam Arnold – has created a sound that is soulful, soothing, and intensely ethereal all at the same time. Throughout the duration of their track “Wolves”, we fall more and more in love with Fagan’s vocal range, as she tugs – no rips – at all of our emotions with her words. The video that accompanies the track mirrors its disposition, dark with hints of glitter that bring with them that wonderful voice.
Give yourself the full experience with the visual, below!
Keep up with Lili St Anne here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 29, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Toronto-based four piece Wild Rivers – comprised of Khalid Yassein, Devan Glover, Andrew Oliver, and Julien Laferriere – is bringing us back to our roots with their robust and enormously alluring sound. New track “Moving Target” is a love song in its own respect, though addresses heartache at its core instead of the puppy love stage. As our female vocalist gut-wrenchingly ponders, “Are we out of touch?” the lyrics begin to unravel in a real and poignant way for us all.
If you’re looking for a new ballad to belt out on your drive home, this is the one.
Keep up with Wild Rivers here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 29, 2019 | videos, wolf tracks
Dublin-based art-folk brother duo Richie and Jamie Martin have created quite a bit of magic with their music under the moniker Cry Monster Cry. Today, the Richey McCourt remix of their track “Citadel” is released, with slight edits made to the original visuals. Neither track is better than the other, a completely different set of emotions associated with each soundscape. Though we will admit that the poignant words wrench at your heart ever the same.
Try it on for size!
Keep up with Cry Monster Cry here.
