by Meredith Schneider | Oct 10, 2017 | wolf tracks
As if the name were no prior indication, Baltimore/Washington, D.C. indie rock outfit Sunbathers – comprised of Sean Lynott, Tim Boaté, Pete Mindnich, Peter Leonard, and Shohsei Oda – creates music that makes you feel soaked in warmth and sunshine. With light, raspy vocals (And those full heads of luxurious hair!), the men of Sunbathers croon about a romantic interest, someone who everyone kind of wants a bite of. Lyrics like “you’re so appealing floating toward the ceiling everyone here wants your love / I get this feeling it might be the reason that I’m crazy for your touch” are incredibly brazen, admitting that there might be more in the chase for them if others are also after the same end goal. To this end, you might see the track as a bit shallow, but if you dig deeper it is about confidence and emitting an energy that attracts people toward you as well.
The quintet goes even deeper into the honeysuckle metaphor in the video, with sharp, detailed visuals of the band playing the track, floral arrangements, and a human woman growing out of a pot like a plant. The visual is emotionally intense – especially toward the end – and is, in our humble opinion, some of the best artistic work they could have done with the track. But don’t just trust us, check it out for yourself.
Keep up with Sunbathers here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 9, 2017 | wolf tracks
Durham, North Carolina’s rock collective Hardworker – comprised of Sus Long, Mike Conner, Danny Nowell, and Alex Treyz – recently released a full length album titled Go Alone. Among the 11 high energy, folk-tinged rock, there is a standout track titled “Look More Like A Girl”, a track with a message we are 120% on board with. Starting with direct, quirky vocals and then bringing in a steady, catchy rhythm (and not to mention clapping), Hardworker has created a hip swaying track. With lyrics like “we gotta talk about your hair / and the message that it’s sending” and “why don’t you act more like a lady?” the song jabs at unwelcome comments that – unfortunately – women hear every single day. In its own way, the track is a feminist anthem, but it also comes from a place that makes it relatable, instead of coming off as the artist standing on a soap box. Especially with what’s been coming to the forefront in society – both in entertainment in the last week, and other industries overall -, “Look More Like A Girl” is done in a tasteful way, simply throwing these comments back into the world at everyone.
This track is a well-composed equalizer, and as a woman-led publication that aims to bring positive messages and conversations to the forefront in music, we thought it was important to bring your attention to this solid track – and complete album – by Hardworker.
Go Alone is available now. Keep up with Hardworker here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 9, 2017 | wolf tracks
London based collective Brunch is at it again, having partnered with MadCap Industries to create and release the music video for their track “Swell”, which can be found on recent full-length release Useless. A mellow track, the video mirrors that thought as the guys chill, play music, and drink beer. It gives us a good glimpse into how Brunch runs a live appearance, and for that we are totally grateful since they tend to tour their home country a little more often than The States. But when the recreational ping pong table becomes a magic carpet and carries one of them around New York City, that’s when things get slightly interesting.
It also makes us wonder if it would be legal to drink and “steer” a magic flying anything, but who are we to judge?
UK Dates
20 Oct – Nottingham, JT Soar
21 Oct – Manchester, A Carefully Planned Festival
21 Oct – Sheffield, Delicious Clam
27 Oct – London, Birthdays
28 Oct – Brighton, House Show
2 Nov – London, Kamio w/Slowcoaches
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 9, 2017 | wolf tracks
Beginning with simple beat, slowly layering in percussion with vocals. Stripped down is how you first hear indie-pop solo artist Ryan Egan‘s voice in his new track “Tongue Of Yours”, and – to be completely honest – that’s how the majority of the song feels even with the added instrumentals. It feels close, intense, raw. And perhaps that’s how it’s meant to be heard, especially since Egan created “Tongue Of Yours” while he had two injured hands and no instruments to work with. Left to his own devices, he sang every chord and programmed the drums, making the song itself a step away from what he’s known for, and an almost primal experience.
Egan’s sophomore effort Fever & Bloom is out December 1st. Keep up with Ryan Egan here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 7, 2017 | wolf tracks
New York based rock outfit Late Night Episode gets super outdoorsy in their video for chill track “Golden Age”. Rightfully so, as the lyrics glide along and discuss the way “we’re all living on the internet” and missing out on what’s right in front of our faces. Essentially, what the video and song are trying to do is point out one of society’s greatest flaws: our attachment to technology. It’s something we talk about constantly, but you’re reading this piece on your computer or phone or tablet and watching a (really fun) video by a group of young men on a screen. It just brings up a very real conversation about striking a balance with your tech, and it does it in a fun, pop-tinged way that will get anyone on their feet.
Also, we might be able to take them in basketball. Challenge!
Keep up with Late Night Episode here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 6, 2017 | wolf tracks
Singer/songwriter Thee Conductor (Jason Butler) is revving up to release his multi-faceted album Cotton Tornado later this month. But while we wait with baited breath for the 20th, we actually have the exclusive video premiere for the title track on this fine Friday, and we can’t wait for you to get your eyes on it.
Produced by artist Dave Bryant, the video takes on the same tranquil, yet colorful personality as the track alone. Simple, honest lyrics (“Everything moves too quickly for this man”) play gently over what looks to be television screen static, blending a kaleidoscope of toned down colors on the screen in a quirky way that makes you realize there was no better direction for this video to go.
Thee Conductor will play a record release show on November 4th with Damien Jurado. More information is below. Make sure to nab those tickets for a beautiful evening celebrating the new album!
Cotton Tornado is out October 20th and is available for preorder now. Keep up with Thee Conductor here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 6, 2017 | wolf tracks
Chicago collective Mutts – comprised of Mike Maimone (keys, vocals), Bob Buckstaff (bass, guitar), and Ian Tsan (drums) – have had an incredibly busy few weeks, having just released their new EP Stick Together amongst re-released videos for included tracks “Neighbor” (ft. Jennifer Hall) and “Tin Foil Hat” while simultaneously opening for Company of Thieves on their reunion tour. Even with all the buzz around the EP itself – for which the title is a clear political (and human) statement in these times of trouble – we wanted to make sure everyone got their ears on it. Because these five tracks are certainly something special.
“I’ll Be Around” starts the EP in the most soulful and serene way, deep, raspy vocals serving as the standout aspect while Maimone lets you know “you don’t have to be alone tonight,” serving comfort in a very audible and strong way. Second track “Neighbor” – and its accompanying DIY video – is simple, a testament to the power of trusting in the people that surround you. Jennifer Hall’s vocals add a layer of beauty that makes the song feel more universal and hearty, keeping upfront honesty as soulful as its predecessor. And seeing as third track “Let’s Go” played often during the Cubs’ World Series run at Wrigley Field, this one is already an upbeat fan favorite that can honestly be played in any situation that you need a little bit of an energy boost.
By the time we get to “Tin Foil Hat”, the energy is already up and we’re properly prepared for both the track and its quirky music video, also created in its entirety by the guys in Mutts. Its fun nature almost makes you feel as though the song is a fun one, but its message is very anti-hate and incredibly important. (“Get yourself a tin foil hat and get the government out of your head.”) After such a direct and important message is delivered in such a creative and fun way, the only way to round out the EP is to bring the energy down slowly with “Don’t Touch It”, a track you can absolutely sway your hips to, but we can’t imagine for a second anyone head banging to.
If you want to prove us wrong, though, you’re welcome to post a video and let us know.
Stick Together is available now. Keep up with Mutts here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 5, 2017 | wolf tracks
Montreal based pop quintet Stars – comprised of Torquil Campbell, Evan Cranley, Patrick McGee, Amy Millan, and Chris Seligman – just released the latest single off their upcoming album There Is No Love In Fluorescent Light, a relatively mellow track titled “Alone”. Slowly building up from silence at the beginning, the strong vocals indicate an inner struggle, perhaps, with the idea of being alone. As they croon “I want to live where there’s room to breathe/Take one step closer and I’ll swear I’ll live alone” there is almost a claustrophobic feeling, though you also feel free with the space-establishing words that come from their lips.
There Is No Love In Fluorescent Light is out Oct. 13th. It is available for preorder now.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 4, 2017 | wolf tracks
Swedish songwriter Alice Boman recently released a limited edition 7″ of her single “Dreams”. Boman’s first release in three years, the physical copy is comprised of “Dreams” on one side, and an instrumental version of the single unavailable anywhere else on the B side.
“Dreams” lightly dances along, with melancholic lyrics and an almost eerie undertone to the vocals. Poignant in its disposition, Boman’s lyrics beg the question “Where do dreams begin?” repeatedly, opening up space for its listener to ponder. Admits Boman of the track:
I wrote “Dreams” more than 2 years ago and I can’t recall exactly what was in my mind at the time. But I do remember being in the studio later on recording the song. I had just gotten a disappointing text message and I was sad and upset, and then I had to record vocals. And I remember that it hit me, when singing the song, that although I wrote it at another time it captured just how I felt in that moment too. And it comforted me somehow, that that’s how it is. Everything is constantly changing. But some things always feels the same. Heartache is never easy. And in those moments it’s important to find something to hold on to. To keep on dreaming.
Alice Boman Live Dates:
10.11.17 – Stockholm, SE @ Pygméteatern (sold-out)
02.28.18 – London, UK @ St Pancras Old Church
