by Meredith Schneider | Aug 31, 2018 | snapshot
2018 has been a pretty big year for genre-bending collective Juice, made up of Ben Stevens (vocals), Kamau Burton (acoustic guitar/vocals), Christian Rose (violin/vocals), Dan Moss (guitar), Miles Clyatt (drums), and Rami El-Abidin (bass), and Michael Ricciardulli (guitar). In June, they brought us their 4 track EP Workin’ on Lovin‘. As impressed by their talent as we’ve been, we have yet to see them live. But that all changes in September as they head out for several amazing shows. They’ll bring their own brand of magic to Kansas City on September 12th as they perform at Knuckleheads Saloon. Good news is that they released a music video for their track “Sugar” this past spring, and it gives us a glimpse into their live performance tactics… though we’re certain that they’re going to bring it all up a notch for an amazing evening out. Check them out, listen to their EP below, and then grab your tickets and hang with us on the 12th!
Make sure to catch them at Knuckleheads, and keep up with Juice here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 31, 2018 | albums, review
From the very first, crystal-like lines of “Intro”, to the very last vibrations of bass in ninth track “Empress”, London-based electro-pop duo Cherryade has brought us a ginormous party in the form of their mini EP Fractured Fairytales. And the artists are incredibly aware of how sticky sweet everything is. admits vocalist Ellla: “Fractured Fairytales is what it says in the name – it’s a bunch of songs that are really twisted and over the top and fun. They’re stories, and they’re a good representation of us and who we are, we like things with a bitter twist and that cross the line”. Alex continues,”We’ve got so much music we’re ready to release after this mini album, and it’s a lot more pop, but to the point it’s so sweet it’ll rot your teeth”.
“Fractured Fairytales” is catchy as all get out, though there is no doubt that it is a party track. In fact, most of the album follows suit, with hard hooks and an upbeat tempo. The feel to it all is very “Halloween rave,” which we are 100% here for seeing as we’re zeroing in on autumn right now. (Hello, September!) “Get By” has that same repetitive, fun disposition as its predecessor, and while “Got You Good” feels more earthy than the others, it still has that fast, intense tempo and danceable rhythm you can burn calories to. Though “Blah Blah” won’t necessarily replace Ke$ha’s similarly named track, it holds a place close in our hearts next to it.
If you’re hometown loyal, “My Town” could be your next favorite track. With a slightly calmer vibe, “The Crown” comes in boasting a more regal overall feel. “Houdini” will make you want to drop it pretty quickly, while “Empress” will put you in the right frame of mind to go into the rest of your day feeling like hot shit.
We’re serious. Try it on for size.
Fractured Fairytales mini album tracklisting
1. Intro
2. Fractured Fairytales
3. Get By
4. Got You Good
5. Blah Blah
6. My Town
7. The Crown
8. Houdini
9. Empress
Keep up with Cherryade here.
by Aubrey Hanson | Aug 31, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
On the rise folk duo Fox and Bones have released their new single “Little Animal” along with a fun energetic video to follow! Made up of Sarah Vitort and Scott Gilmore, the duo use their talented songwriting, along with their unique vocals in order to captivate new audiences and build their fan base. Prior to their new song, the duo has released an ample amount of their own music which has allowed them to skyrocket over the past few years and create better music each and every time. “Little Animal”, a fun and upbeat song has a perfect video to match just as well with the song. The video holds an amusing vibe that includes both animal and human characters running around and having fun on a sunny summer day. Not only does this video send a free spirited message, but it also matches the statement that the song itself portrays. Although this is a folk song, Fox and Bones adds a hint of pop to it to give it something a little extra, so it can fit into almost any genre for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to keep up on all of their new music here!
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 30, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
We’ve been a fan of pop artist Van Bobbi for quite some time now, and with the release of his latest single “Kickdrum Heartbeat”, that fandom only increases. Approaching the track with a more earthy sound than we are used to, he utilizes gorgeous percussion to really get the message across through the instrumentals, utilizing the words almost as backup. The song is catchy, fun, and something we anticipate making everyone’s “Summer 2018” playlist.
Keep up with Van Bobbi here
by Karina Marquez | Aug 30, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
The collaborative efforts of new musical duo
Jay Som &
Justus Proffit is a result of a casual jam session in
Som’s home studio, which eventually turned into multiple sessions, thus leading to the creation of their collaborative EP. They both worked together on vocals and guitar; Proffit was in charge of lyrics and drums, and
Som handled the editing and mixing, in addition to playing the bass and keyboard. Their first single is the charming “Nothing’s Changed,” which is their upcoming EP’s title track. The overall vibe is a subtle country ballad with gentle vocals and guitar strums. The overall sound is soft and beautiful, but the lyrics are surprisingly somber:
I chew it up, spit it out, and give it up.
Still I climb to reach the top,
I feel the same,
Nothing’s new, nothing’s changed.
Proffit’s vocals seem to take the lead on this one, with Som’s gentle vocals contributing to the harmony throughout the track. Together, they sound like one strong unit. Their compatibility shines throughout he song, and that collaborative work ethic shows. The EP is entirely written, recorded, and produced by the two artists, showing their passion for this project. A lot of work and a lot of love was put into this, and it definitely shows.
Be sure to check out their EP, which will be released on September 28th. Keep up with
Jay Som here, and Justus Proffit
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 Karina Marquez | Aug 28, 2018 | albums, review
Toronto-based artist Marlon Chaplin has just released his full-length debut album and it is, to put it simply, a powerhouse record. Chaplin clearly has the range of a true rock performer and these ten tracks embody his style flawlessly. It is diverse, passionate, and an inimitable listening experience that will leave you wanting nothing more but to see the live performance (and to play the album on a continuous loop).
The record opens up with “The Circle.” As the attention grabber, the title track is very high energy, complete with a full-bodied opening instrumental. It is the perfect opening, capturing the adrenaline of that momentous first song of a rock concert. It sets the pace for other similar rocker tracks, such as “Drain Me,” “Imaginary Mary K,” and “Elevation.” The album slows down with two acoustic ballads: “Back to the Start” and “Take Me There.” They are dreamy and buoyant, complete with pretty harmonies. Chaplin’s more vulnerable side is at the forefront of these songs, making them even more beautiful.
“A Single Drop” is a cool song with a biting edge. It swings us back around from the romantic ballads, showing Chaplin’s diversity in sound and genre. Listeners are treated to yet another change of pace with “One Man Show” and “Where Did We Go.” Their upbeat sound reminds me of the band Bleachers, with the vintage upbeat aesthetic and catchy guitar riffs. And the final track, “Out on the Wing,” brings a flawless ending to a very well-rounded album. It’s slower and sad, but full of life, focusing on the magnificent sound of strings.
The amount of work put into this strong debut is clear. Released via Möbius Recordings, the album was produced by Chaplin, mixed by Chris Shaw (Partner, Weezer, Bob Dylan) and mastered by Joao Carvalho. With such a stand-out debut, The Circle is bound to impress anyone and everyone who listens to it.
The Circle is out now, and is available for purchase here.. Keep up with the latest on Chaplin here. Also, be sure to check him out on tour, including the album release show in Toronto on August 30th.
