by Tiffany Czech | Dec 22, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Following the release of their first single off of their untitled 2021 album, Elder Island are allowing us to dive deeper into this upcoming world with their newest single “Small Plastic Heart”. With a sound that stands out amongst the many different things we music lovers hear every day; the track proves to be the perfect teaser for anything this trio out of Bristol, England have to offer in the future.
Yes, this is a pop record. However, the trio do well for their “electronic-pop” title. With echoes of electronic synths, it is easy to say how simply fascinating all of the layers are. At certain points in the song, these layers work together to create the feeling of anticipation for what might happen next in the story. Of course, there may be some room for nuance, but the story being told has personal touches that linger throughout. Regardless, Elder Island know how to not only capture attention, but they know how to keep us drawn in and ready for what is to come.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 21, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
With a powerful yet heartbreaking dance tune like “Blame”, it makes sense as to why duo Yardhaus was successful in opening for superstars like Marshmello and Zedd. They are superstars themselves. The infectious production of the tune by itself proves why they are a force to be reckoned with. But beyond this groove, there is a story being told. The lyrics speak of the ability to foreshadow that a relationship is going to end pretty much before it even got started. This crash course in understanding toxic relationships could have become the next heart shattering breakup ballad, and we would have loved that, too. But the combination of catchy electronic beats and a sobering story of lost love is what makes Yardhaus the superstars they are. By marrying the two ingredients that many look for, they prove that they want to bring everybody on their journey, and we all want to join.
The duo says of the track: “‘Blame’ is a hybrid between dance, pop, and electronic. The song is about knowing how a relationship will end, even from the start. It speaks to the toxicity and short-sighted nature of transactional relationships.”
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 21, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Rock/folk creative outlet Coma Girls, run by Chris Spino, is gearing up for an EP release next month. To get us started, he is giving us a taste of the title track, “Skyboxer”. In true rock fashion, the track is filled with guitar-heavy moments with sticky melodies and raw vocals. It is the perfect modern rock song, utilizing the loudness that makes rock what it is while taking the best of what modern music has to offer and blending them into a cohesive whole. Combine this with the stirring storytelling found in the lyrics and you realize Coma Girls has got it all. A story of loving and losing being turned into an explosive rock tune tells us to stay on the lookout for what Spino plans on bringing next.
Spino says of the creative process of the upcoming EP: “We were able to explore each song differently but give it a common thread as well. It’s supposed to take you places. It’s more like a form of escapism.”
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 18, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
In the video for “Silver Cowboy Boots”, Anna Shoemaker prances around a motel room trying to forget about the person that broke her heart. While some of these methods of mind-erasure involve food and drinks, Shoemaker finds that the best way to rid your mind of an unwanted person is by donning a fresh pair of cowboy boots. So, she does. The track itself, which features Invisible Will, is essentially a love story to the boots. The video is the story of how boots are unable to bring you down and put you in a bad place, unlike the relationship she just got out of. Still, there are moments of vulnerability where Shoemaker admits that it isn’t that simple to get somebody off your mind. In any case, “Silver Cowboy Boots” can serve as a reminder to us all that sometimes all it takes is a little something simple, like cowboy boots, to clear your mind.
Shoemaker says of the inspiration behind the track:
I wrote this song after my ex and I broke up for the second time. He seemed to be doing fine and I was still heartbroken. I was in the studio sad, hungover, and wearing these insane silver Fendi cowboy boots I had bought myself and was just like, you know what, maybe this is fine?
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 18, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
Fierce electronica artist Eivør has released “Only Love” from her new album Segl, which also happens to be accompanied by a stunning visual. Featuring vocals from Ásgeir, “Only Love” is a mystical and entrancing track about how powerful it is to be in the gravitational pull of love. The song’s illustrative lyrics paint a vivid picture of what it looks like to be so deep and in love. It is full of clarity in that the feeling of love is really the only thing that can make you feel both so fragile and so powerful at the same time. The electrifying sonics and strong melodies pull you right into the intensity of not only love, but the track itself. “Only Love” is the perfect combination of haunting production and intriguing lyrics made to enthrall every listener.
Eivør says of the process of creating the track:
I wrote the lyrics with David Hopkins and when this song was written I thought about “love” and all the things it makes us do. I will never get tired of writing about this subject. It’s the most complex and yet the most basic of all things. It has so many shapes and shades and on this life journey it takes us through the whole palette of emotions. It’s both strong and fragile at once. It breaks us and makes us whole.
by Sabrina Thurber | Dec 17, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
One object might particularly stand out the first time you watch couchwalker on film. I may or may not be speaking of the large brown couch placed in the middle of the set. Before you judge the couch, however, know that the couch is important. The inclusion of the couch is in fact, very intentional, and speaks to songwriter Jenny Banai’s individuality as an artist.
If you’ve recently been searching for a raw, emotional and authentic performance to satisfy your winter cravings, you might want to reconsider watching that two and a half hour long drama and indulge in Jenny Banai’s twenty minute film instead. With strong musicality, a clear vision and an empty warehouse-turned-living room, the British Columbia native imparts a true unconventional masterpiece.
After selecting various segments from her recent album, couchwalker, Banai and her team (including film director, Matej Balaz; and choreographers and dancers, Joanna Anderson and Kezia Rosen) present the tracks in a refreshing light, accompanied by visual representation. The resulting project features pleasing color coordination, purposeful fashion choices, and strategic bodily movements (fingers included)– providing an intimate explanation of Banais’ most personal questions and convictions.
In today’s world with the absence of live performances, Banai hoped to give an opportunity for fans to connect with her album on a deeper level. Throughout the short film, we are acquainted with an inquisitive yet glamorous girl, a melancholy yet daring girl, and there is both stagnancy and variety to her story. Banai creates a story we can all relate to.
