by Christie McMenamin | May 3, 2018 | show review, snapshot, visual
The audience at White Eagle Hall was already rapt before Julien Baker began her sold-out show. As she carefully stepped out onto the stage, sparsely illuminated with a background of lamps that resembled streetlights, the quiet was immediately enveloping; you could hear a pin drop in the dead silence between the faint clacks of camera shutters. Beginning with “Appointments,” the first full track off 2017’s Turn Out the Lights, feathery wisps of white light were strewn across the stage as Baker was suddenly blanketed in a shaft of soft purple lighting, as if a lavender-colored sun was leaking through a hole in the ceiling.
A Julien Baker show is mesmerizing; she holds everyone’s eyes in the palms of her hands. Her presence is almost ethereal; her gentle voice, at times fragile and delicate, can suddenly, grandly rise, soaring up into a vast melodic expanse. Small of stature and soft-spoken, Baker is solitary yet powerful, commanding the stage all by herself; a one-woman orchestra who can spin symphonies with just a guitar and piano.
Moving seamlessly through her set, Baker wasted little time between songs for banter, focused solely on her performance. The bulk of tracks played were from Turn Out the Lights, along with a smattering of Sprained Ankle. “Red Door,” an unreleased track, and “Funeral Pyre,” off an untitled EP, rounded out the show.
Towards the second half of the set, Baker invited her friend and violinist, Camille Faulkner, to accompany her, added a further layer of feeling and pathos.
“Something,” one of Baker’s most upbeat tunes, made up the encore with the whole venue singing. The moment she exited the stage, fans rushed to the front in an attempt to grab the setlist. This is the kind of fervor Baker inspires in her audience.
She makes her way back to the New York/New Jersey area in July, providing support for Courtney Barnett in Prospect Park.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | May 3, 2018 | albums, review
Virginia-based pop/punk rock artist Corey Pavlosky is ready to claim his time to shine with his debut EP Atlas. The release features six songs that help set the tone of Corey’s artistry. One of the songs on the album is titled “Weathered”, which is a song that is totally put together, with haunting harmonies led by Pavlosky’s voice. The beat of the track, by the way, that is unforgettable. The song is liable to keep the listener interested and holds its own as the last song on the album.
“Better Days”, a personal favorite on the album, shows that even though something bad is going on in your life, better days are soon to come. Each song is completely different from the next, but the differences are what make it even more thrilling. Atlas has the power to pull at your heartstrings as a listener. The album takes you on a journey that you simply do not want to end.
Keep up with Corey here.
**co-written by Meredith Schneider
by Madison Blom | May 3, 2018 | albums, review
Coming from a background that includes a mixed bag of past careers–including children’s book author and fine artist–Scott Mickelson has finally found root in a career in music that suits him perfectly. Since moving from Massachusetts to the Bay area in the 80’s, Mickelson has been known to be seen performing on big name stages such as the Filmore and Great American Music Hall. No small feat for an artist that took a break from the music world after producing five full length releases with his band Fat Opie. Since his return to stage, Mickelson has released one full length album and in now preparing to drop his second on May 4th. This album, A Wondrous Life is a compilation of songs that overall tell the story of everyday life in stark and, at times, uncomfortable detail. “No Such Luck,” a track found on this album is a perfect example of this lifestyle clarity. “We tend to keep ourselves in a state of stress, many times by choice. We seem to take on more than we can comfortably handle, then blame ourselves for not doing it well enough.”
Not only does Mickelson perform some of his finest vocals in this album, but unlike his last album, A Wondrous Life was a solo effort meaning that Mickelson performed all of the instrumental components ranging from drums to horns. With all of the effort that went into producing such a meticulous and intricate album, it is clear that this set of tracks fall among some of the greatest work that Mickelson has every has his hand in. Throughout each individual song, the listener is walked through the reality of several aspects of daily life experiences. Not only does this add the Mickelson’s credibility, but it will also allow his music to maintain relevance over the coming years. Unlike some of the one-hot-wonders of the 00’s, Scott Mickelson has the staying power to be known throughout the ages.
A Wondrous Life is out May 4th.
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by Madison Blom | May 3, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Out with their second ever single is up and coming Chicagoland-based band Golds who are hoping to continue the success garnered from their last single. “Craving” is a creative mesh of several different genres that was inspired by some of the most iconic names of the 90’s such as Michael Jackson and Duran Duran. Not only does this song have lyrical weight that is perfectly juxtaposed by the warmth of the music, but it highlights the vocal strength of the band as a whole. As each note perfectly melts into the next, listeners are completely hypnotized by each passing synth loop and intoxicating heavy hitting drums. Although this band is young and still has so much potential to grow into the spotlight, they have done a fantastic job of producing a single that is well composed and displays a sound that is both stunning and memorable.
Throughout the song, listeners explore the yearning that is so often experienced in daily life–a need that can never be met, water that can never quench the dry thirst of summer. The journey encompasses each carefully crafted verse and every slight change in the direction of the song. Without a doubt, with the release of their new single, Golds will find new opportunities and continue to find success in the career that they love.
Keep up with Golds here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | May 3, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Producer and musician Ukiyo is gearing himself up for a lot of success with his new single “Go”. “Go” features the vocals of Chymes giving the song a blissful tone. Ukiyo adds a blissful vibe to the video that was released for the single.
The video is creative with a kaleidoscopic bringing Ukiyo’s song to life. The video for the song explores adventure and relationships within your life through people, both within yourself and through the people you love.
“Go” is a great song that displays pure creativity. Keep up with Ukiyo here.
by Veronica DeFeo | May 3, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Ava King is a musical artist in every sense of the word. Born in Paris to an British father, American mother, Ava King has been around the world, from New York to China to Europe, honing her own sound while learning from others. Now, she has released a brand new single, “I Don’t Wanna Have Sex”. Glittery and glowing, the track takes a counter-cultural approach to love. Instead of focusing on its physical aspects, King wants the listener to consider alternative approaches. Although painted on a pop soundscape, “I Don’t Wanna Have Sex” is anything but typical. Highlighting King’s clear and emotion-packed vocals, her track features her production skills as well. Says King of her song, “‘I Don’t Wanna Have Sex’ tries to explore those times when you feel sadness and aren’t in the mood for bedroom moves. How do you show love then? How can you still be nurturing and nurtured?”
If you’re tired of hearing the same old things about love and sex in pop music, give “I Don’t Wanna Have Sex” a listen today.
Stay connected with Ava King
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by Veronica DeFeo | May 3, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Cornwall-based four-piece ENNOR has just dropped their brand new single, “Wave After Wave”. ENNOR is made up of drummer Adam Williams, frontman Tom Elliott, guitarist Jack Rennie and bassist James Creed. The quartet is known for their summery sound that has earned them the label “Californwall”. Now, they’re back with new track “Wave After Wave”.
Moving guitar work gently brings the listener into “Wave After Wave”, a truly oceanic track that mimics the energy of water. Gradually picking up speed, intensity, and complexity, the song peaks about three-quarters in with some killer guitar. A closer listen will reveal that the track is about climate change and the idea of “how far is too far”. If you’re looking for an escape to the water’s edge, check out “Wave After Wave” today.
Stay connected with ENNOR
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by Jai'Tyria Hatton | May 2, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Emma Hern is ready to take a dive into the music industry with her unique blend of pop and soul music. Her new video for “Love is Killing Me” is a pink pop bubblegum video that playfully complements Hern’s lyrics. The video is a take on a wildly feminine vibe. The video is fun and lighthearted, giving the viewer a carefree feeling. And we’re all about that carefree feeling.
Keep up with Emma Hern here.
by Veronica DeFeo | May 2, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Rockin’ and rollin’, Language is back at it with a brand new single titled “Game Piece”. Language is made up of guitarist/vocalist Omar Afzaal, bassist/vocalist Charles Sloan and drummer Wes Black. The Brooklyn-based trio has self-released two EPs, and will drop their first EP Plymouth on May 18th via Good Eye Records. Their new single “Game Piece” will appear on Plymouth, and offers a first glance into the upcoming EP. Thoroughly fun and unapologetic, “Game Piece” includes a killer guitar solo and great vocals. It is evident through the instrumentation of the track that Language knows how to make every aspect of a song work together.
Bassist Charles Sloan says:
I started with of a couple ideas: a middle school project where I had to decide what I would take with me on a spaceship to a new world, and the story of Aeneas, one of the mythical founders of Rome, who took his father, statues of his gods, and his son and lead them out of a burning Troy. It’s all reduced to a few shouted phrases, which is where the desperation and irrationality enter.
“Game Piece” is a must-listen, so check it out today!
Stay connected with Language
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