by Meredith Schneider | Oct 14, 2019 | singles, soundtrack, wolf tracks
We took the name of one of the October releases we heard recently as our title. You’ll understand if you take a gander at this playlist. Per usual, we have compiled a number of incredible new releases from this month so that you have a bevy of new work to select from and curate your own autumn playlists. Kim Petras, Ralph, King Nun, isle&fever, and more. Plus, check back all month for additional tracks being added as we sort through submissions and listen to new music throughout October!
by Kira Cappello | Oct 7, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Berlin indie rock group The Usual Boys have released what will be a bar venue classic: The meandering bassline of “I’m Not the Asshole” stumbles through the back of dive bars, down drunken alleyways, and around the street corners of a chaotic night out. Though The Usual Boys supply influences of established Britpop, the sarcastic tone of this track is peppered with garage grit and topped off with a smoky-cool smoothness that goes down like one last shot – maintaining its freshness even after many listens.
“I’m Note the Asshole” paints a muddled scene of friendly banter between friends gone sour, giving way to drunken conflict and frustrated dialogue. Vocals from Aleksi Oksanen wind, warble and drag in all the right ways; slurring slightly at the end of each note for a healthy dose of theatricality. With dusty snares and sweeping cymbals, drummer Patrick Pevsner pulls The Usual Boys behind a curtain of cool, filling the room with smoke that contrasts the gritty forwardness of lead and rhythm guitar trills from Ethan Dalziel and Oksanen, respectively. The resounding bass, via Rasmus Schmidt, drives this track the whole way, temporally unwinding any starting point of logic and illustrating the narrator’s descent into resentment.
The Usual Boys formed in Berlin in 2017 and have been haunting the scene since, wielding a fervent mania into the fabric of their punk-spirited shows. They’ve just finished a tour through their native Germany preceding the release of anticipated single “I’m Not the Asshole”, released October 4, 2019.
Follow The Usual Boys here.
by Kira Cappello | Oct 4, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
The newest single from one of the freshest names rising in pop is titled “Long Game” – an apt expression of 22-year-old singer/songwriter Gavin Haley’s dedication to making it work. “Long Game” simmers and twinkles, finger snaps and pop-anthem beats clicking along reliably. Haley’s smooth, breathy vocals sweep through his profession to a significant other that despite difficulties, they can count on his loyalty.
That loyalty is reflected in the mono-tempo, mono-mood of this track, which feels chill and reassuring, yet perhaps overly cautious. Parsing through Haley’s other reveals that he has the vocal prowess to produce interesting melodies in both pop songs and acoustic ballads alike, so while “Long Game” definitely fits on a late-night drive playlist, we’re looking forward to seeing both his influences and willingness to push boundaries expand going forward.
Keep up with Gavin Haley here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 2, 2019 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
Brisbane-based indie artist MARLOE. is coming in hot with new music, and we emerge from the experience as though spring is on its way. But truly, allow yourself to melt into this premiere. You just might find yourself reminiscing on that gorgeous warm weather love, or perhaps you’re ready to explore your feelings in the autumn months as things quiet down. Whatever the case may be, you’ll find that fresh new feeling of love in “Ruminate”, a silky smooth pop masterpiece, which perfectly captivates its audience, primed for new beginnings.
Keep up with MARLOE. here.
by Meredith Schneider | Sep 27, 2019 | albums, review
In true ANIIML fashion, we’ve got a full-length release today that will spike your senses, beginning with the all-caps nature of the song titles. OH AWE is a 10-track stunner of an album that perfectly showcases the self-proclaimed “avante witch-pop” singer/songwriter ANIIML’s unique pipes (Hello, do you hear that powerful voice?!) amidst a rough and tumble mixture of instrumentals. Her twangy disposition only adds depth to the soundscape, a magnetic mess of beauty that we cannot stop playing.
From steady beginning of “IT’S OVER” to the very last chaotic lines of anthemic track “STRONGER NOW”, we are absolutely hypnotized by the beauty of ANIIML’s voice. “SLAY!” brings with it that perfect club track tempo and a bit of trending attitude, while “HANDLE ME” simplifies everything with a mixture of Gwen Stefani-like vocals laced with an increasing presence of seduction. “OUCH!” actually feels like a track Imogen Heap could have pulled off, and we’re all for the pure primal feeling it evokes. “WHERE WE GO (WHEN WE GO)” features the darling X. ARI, intricate percussion being the driving factor on this puppy. “OUT! OF! CONTROL!” actually brings with it a more vintage, theatrical soundscape that has us scrambling for a speakeasy. “BEFORE IT GETS BETTER” features Robots&Balloons, and slows things down a bit for a more introspective moment, and then “FACE TO THE PAVEMENT” slowly but surely revs things up a bit more.
If you’re looking for an interesting soundscape, “IT’S NOT OVER… YET” provides pretty much everything you need. Quirky, trudging percussion, and a little bit of a different approach then 2017’s “IT’S OVER“, she’ll be serving this goodness up on repeat for a while here. “STRONGER NOW” brings a sense of finality to the piece, and the cacophony of sounds toward the end will prove that. Give it a spin, then hit us with your thoughts on Facebook.
Keep up with ANIIML here.
by Meredith Schneider | Sep 26, 2019 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
Portland-based musician Corinne Sharlet comes at us today with the release of her new track “Hail Mary”. Haunting and absolutely magnetic, the song a beautiful testament to Sharlet’s abilities as a singer/songwriter. Her alluring vocals are set over beautiful, intricate guitar parts that continually pique your interest throughout the track, as you focus on the intimacy of it all. The ambiance the song creates alone is impeccable, but when you find out the inspiration behind the track, it’s hard to keep your jaw off the ground. Expands Sharlet:
‘Hail Mary’ wouldn’t exist without the Laurelthirst open mic here in Portland and for that reason the Laurelthirst has become a very special place to me. I wrote the song a couple of years ago when I had just started attending the open mic. Every week, they post a new theme to write a song about. One week the theme was ‘Hail Mary’ and so the song came to be. I love that the Laurelthirst open mic provides the weekly themes because I often find that a random word or two can inspire a song without needing to have a preconceived idea for it. Writing songs feels most natural to me that way. When I write I don’t usually have an idea of something I want to write about, I start by just playing and singing and then the words come.
The song is still mysterious to me. ‘Hail Mary’ seemed to come from a different world — a different time and place. As I started writing, I became very emotional. I practically sobbed through the whole song. One of the ideas that stirs me in the song is the need humans have to turn to things that are bigger than ourselves. I was not raised with formal religion and I do not currently participate in formal religion, but I am fascinated by religious and mythological symbolism and how it has infiltrated my psyche. I don’t want to say too much more about what the song is about because many people have interpreted the song in different ways and I love that.
Check out the beauty of “Hail Mary” below, then let us know what you think on Facebook!
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Keep up with Corinne Sharlet here.
by Meredith Schneider | Sep 20, 2019 | albums, review
The Berries‘ sophomore release — a full-length titled Berryland — is something of a commodity right now, as its focus on guitar riffs and an all-encompassing vibe has us begging for more. Mastermind Matt Berry has created a ten track masterpiece, that effortlessly blends Americana and Brit rock in an interesting and dynamic way. It starts with whirring guitar and an energy all its own with “Makes Me Sick“, adding more twang with “Lowest Form of Life”, and coming in hot with the leisurely, more radio friendly “Fruit“, two of these selections which have amazing 70s-inspired music videos to accompany them.
Continuing at a leisurely, backyard bonfire pace, “Passing Scene” gives us a hard glimpse into our autumnal future, slow motion jumping in leaves comes to mind. “Feral Eyes” revs it up a bit more, while “D.Y.W.I.B.” brings a more ethereal feeling to the piece. “Hell on the Speedway” has a title that would indicate it picks up the pace a little bit, yet it maintains a drawn out and beautiful disposition. “Along the Water” is delicate and incredible, while “Pedestal” provides a little more attitude. They round out the album with “Heavy Rain”, a track that will take you back in time right alongside some of rock’s greats (i.e. Jimi Hendrix). We’re big fans, and will most likely keep that track on repeat for quite some time.
Keep up with The Berries here.
by Meredith Schneider | Sep 11, 2019 | soundtrack
Yup. We did that. We totally quoted an overly-used Green Day song in the title. If you got this far, congrats! And now it’s time to share with you some of the most spectacular gems we have found this month in our September Spotify soundtrack. Featuring new listening opportunities from Tegan and Sara, Daniella Mason, MIKA, Quiet Hounds, and more, we’re kind of obsessed. But we also want you to know we update this playlist almost daily, so bookmarking it and checking back all month will do you some good, especially for new music discovery!
by Meredith Schneider | Sep 10, 2019 | soundtrack
Hey hi. It’s September. Our friends are talented. We’ve got new music videos out the wazzoo for you. Briston Maroney, James Arthur, and Mike Posner are all in the roundup, along with some new names and faces that we just adore! Check out the soundtrack now, and head back over all month for new additions!
