by Meredith Schneider | Aug 30, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
A dark, synthesized soundscape. Light as a feather vocals cascade down, singing of adventuring “out of this hemisphere” with someone. (Presumably, her love.) This call for adventure is what our souls ache for at this time of year as things settle back into a routine in the Northern Hemisphere, and elegant slims has the anecdote. Check out her new track “Hemisphere” below, and keep your ears open for more ambient music from this electro-pop commodity.
Keep up with elegant slims here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 30, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Electro-pop duo Ekaruz is back with silky new track “Sigh”, the second in their musical journey together. And though it’s only their second single, they’ve pulled it off with precision and maybe a little bit of grace, as smooth as honey vocals lead the words through a captivating soundscape. Explains vocalist Nicolas of the track:
We wrote the song towards the end of our university-career when we discussed real world dreams and goals with our peers. We realized that mostly status and materialistic aspects seemed to be prioritized,” says the duo’s guitarist Marius. “Nico and I played along for a while, however, we couldn’t help but feel torn – just like the person in the song. We’re extremely happy that we went with making music after all.
Keep up with Ekaruz here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 28, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Oakland-based solo musical force Bobey has mastered percussion and loops in an amusing and beautiful way. This fact is evident in new track “Melon Cauliflower”, which can be found on his brand new full-length Siblings. “Melon Cauliflower” gives off an ambient vibe, perfect to set as the backdrop at your Labor Day barbecue or end of summer soiree. We’re actually thrilled with the bit of melancholy in its disposition, as it slows us down and preps us for the coming of autumn.
Keep up with Bobey here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 28, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Malaysia-born emcee Zamaera is experiencing quite the whirlwind romance with music lovers across the globe. In the wake of her success with debut music video “Helly Kelly“, she recently released new track “Z vs Z” with an accompanying music video. The video itself was shot in black and white, and features an full orchestra. What’s beautiful within the simplicity of this video is that you can truly appreciate Zamaera’s live performance tactics. You can tell she truly feels the lyrics as she’s saying them, as they’re dripping with emotion as her facial features are full of conviction. It’s beyond captivating, and we’re ready for a live show, but even more pumped for her forthcoming EP.
Keep up with Zamaera here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 27, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Everyone’s favorite indie band Hop Along – comprised of Frances Quinlan (vocals, guitar), Mark Quinlan (drums), Tyler Long (bass), and Joe Reinhart (guitar) – is revving up for an exciting autumn as they travel overseas, largely in support of The Decemberists. And, though that means The States won’t get them for a hot second, we are just basking in the glow of the inspired, imaginative new video for their track “Somewhere a Judge”. Travel with the quartet as they adventure on tour, participate in mundane everyday activities, and get sucked into household appliances to experience a wonderland all their own.
Catch them overseas at the upcoming dates below!
European Tour Dates
* = w/ The Decemberists
9/9: New York, NY @ Pitchfork OctFest
10/30: Paris, France @ Pitchfork Avant-Garde
11/4: Dublin, Ireland @ Vicar Street *
11/5: Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy *
11/7: London, UK @ Eventim Apollo *
11/8: Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy 1 *
11/10: Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy *
11/11: Nottingham, UK @ Rock City *
11/12: Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall *
11/14: Uthrecht, Netherlands @ Grote Zaal TivRe *
11/15: Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso *
11/16: Berlin, Germany @ Asstra *
Keep up with Hop Along here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 27, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Annie Goodchild has been enthralling us with her music for a hot second, hints of Annie Lennox and other incredible vocalists noticeable in her timbre. As the world seeks out fresh examples of strong, independent, and incredible women to add to their playlists, we think Goodchild fits the bill ten times over. And though we have to wait another month to hear this amazing songstress’ EP in its entirety – Meditative Mouthfuls is due out September 28th – we are pleased to share her latest single “Ether” with you now. Check it out below!
Keep up with Annie Goodchild here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Southern California-based duo Inspired & The Sleep – comprised of songwriter/producer Max Greenhalgh and multi-instrumentalist Bryce Outcaul – is a fan favorite, and they’ve finally got new music for our (patiently) awaiting ears. “Right Place, Right Time” provides a funky, experimental soundscape that feels perfect for the last few weeks of those lazy, warm summer days. Occurring at a relaxed pace, this track is perfect to jam out to at that last summer BBQ or while hanging out with your significant other on a car or boat ride. The lyrics, however, call to mind a more intricate thought process than the instrumental vibe would suggest. Explains the duo of the track:
“Right Place, Right Time” is our anthem for forgiveness and heartbreak. It recollects a period in my life where I was deeply in love with an individual that, simply put, didn’t feel the same way about me. I spent so much time, energy, and thoughts into resenting this girl and whoever she wound up with. This song is about the introspective dialog of predicting/hoping for the perfect time and place to communicate my apologies and best wishes. Letting go is ultimately the only answer in order to move on.
Keep up with Inspired & The Sleep here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 24, 2018 | albums, premieres
Los Angeles-based visual artist, illustrator, zine-maker, and multi-instrumentalist Dakota Blue finally drops his insatiable 8 track Plaza to Plaza LP today, and we’ve got the streaming premiere! Starting in an eery way with what seems to be old opera music, “Plaza I” eases us into the emotional soundscape we are about to embark upon slowly and painlessly. “Private Car” keeps us at that tempo, blissfully floating through electric guitar notes and reverb for days. When we get to “Plaza II”, we aren’t sure if we should expect an extension of its predecessor or not, but it seems these two plazas exist in completely different atmospheres. Whereas the first gave us a taste for nostalgia in its entirety, the third track dances at a quicker tempo, layered with original vocals. “Game Show” brings the energy back down, but not quite to that of the first two tracks. In fact, it does continue with the “eery” theme, incorporating more of Dakota Blue’s vocals like its predecessor.
“I’m The Mannequin” feels older, perhaps with the way dissonance is manipulated throughout. “Scorpion’s Theme”, however, feels exactly as it is described, with heightened sounds to indicate staccato moments of intensity, as though you are facing down with a scorpion in person. This track absolutely belongs in a stressful horror movie, along with many of its colleagues on this collection. (Should we throw that idea into the universe?)
“Beijing” is melancholic in sound, beautiful in its vocalization and the simplicity of the lyrics. Dakota Blue rounds out Plaza to Plaza referencing a third plaza, “Plaza III”. This track begins so quietly, you almost have to focus on nothing but the music. Which is a testament to the way this musician creates, his experimental functions so pronounced that it is most admirable to find time to enjoy these tracks with your mind, body, and soul.
But don’t just take our word for it. Check it out in all of its freshly release glory below!
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Industrial shoegaze collective We Are Parasols – comprised of D (Vocals, Synthesizers, Bass), Jeremy Wilkins (Guitars, Piano, Synthesizers, Samples, Vocals), and Alec Eye (Drums, Synthesizers, Samples) – recently released new track “The Gods Have Become Disease”, and it’s time for your curious ears to have a listen. A dark, reverb-filled soundscape and luscious, intense vocals are the two outstanding aspects of this track, the overall feeling one of a hard rock ballad. If you’re looking for something a little heavier sounding than the pop-infused tracks of summertime 2018, this is your jam.
Keep your eyes peeled for We Are Parasols’ new EP toward the end of September, and keep up with them here.