by Tiffany Czech | Dec 11, 2020 | albums, review
When tragedy strikes, artists often turn to melodies in an attempt to heal the pain. It was no different for Nathaniel Bellows, who turned to writing to cope with the death of his father. The result is his forthcoming album Three. This triumphant masterpiece starts off with “In the Wool”, an address of self-image and finding oneself amidst the chaos of the world. The heart stopping “Haul Me In” speaks of the need to feel weightless in treacherous waters. The breathtaking percussion creates the illusion that we, the listeners, are in the danger that he speaks of. “Split Lip” invites you to step into the feeling of being hopeful despite being surrounded by reasons to be hopeless. It closes out with “Move Away”, which weighs the pros and cons of leaving a place that has provided you both happiness and sorrow throughout his life. Here, Bellows reveals his intentions to, one way or another, look to the future.
Three is a raw and emotional record that sees every track masterfully tackling the struggle of falling into a pit and trying to find a way into the light, sometimes by hoping for a shoulder to lean on. It reflects a vulnerability that resonates with the listener and provides moments of solace and peace.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 11, 2020 | singles, videos, wolf tracks
While “White Flag” is originally a fast-tempo triumph by Oregon-based trio Joseph about shutting out the noise of the world and putting one foot in front of the other, Animal Years, an indie band from Brooklyn, have released their updated take on the track. Recorded live in Nashville, the band’s cover could not be coming at a more opportune time. Putting one foot in front of the other has sort of become a motto the world has been trying to live by the entire year, and Animal Years are no different.
The live cover features a significantly slowed down tempo, one that brings the audience closer to not only the band’s performance but the lyrics of the song as well. The personalized aspect is an important part of the music listening experience, especially for a song with a message like this one. As the track brings you close to the band, it begins to feel as though the band themselves are whispering in your ear and giving you the push you need to keep going. With a tune layered with beautiful harmonies and gentle guitar strums, Animal Years are here for you.
The video was recorded live at Marathon Music Works. Animal Years has admired Joseph since seeing their Tiny Desk session in 2017.
Check it out on your preferred streaming platform!
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 11, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Standing in the fog at the end of a relationship, you may be tempted to ask that one terrifying question. Fretland are unafraid to approach this question on their new track “Do You Think of Me” with just as much grace and wonder as pain and sorrow. With two equally captivating vocalists at the mic, the story of two people going their separate ways comes to life. With the help of just an acoustic guitar and a glimmer of piano, Fretland create an intimate conversation illustrated by revealing and open lyrics that paint vulnerability on the former lovers’ sleeves.
“Do You Think of Me” is a testament to how even the seemingly simplest of situations can have their layers peeled back to reveal complex emotions and struggles. After all, we humans are complex beings and the members of Fretland know this all too well. Brainchild Hillary Grace Fretland reveals:
I want to understand all parts of me that make me human so that I can share them, and so maybe someone somewhere recognizes themselves as the villain and learns to love themselves anyway. There’s so much shame in a failed relationship, we always want to know who’s at fault. It’s never been that simple for me.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 10, 2020 | albums, review
If you have been sitting around looking for the perfect way to entertain yourself as a cure for your boredom, it is perhaps most appropriate to turn to Antidote to Being Bored, Oscar Lang’s folk-rock experiment. Lang promises a high-volume experience with his newest release, starting with the EP’s title track all the way down to the final track, “Something Has Changed”, and every track in between. The entire track list is a blesses us with piercing electric guitars and bewitching melodies, perfect for both your winter run around the block or your quiet fireside music listening sessions. What makes this release stand out is the ability of every song to fit different moods and still be a fantastic choice.
Lang says of the EP:
I wrote Antidote to Being Bored to be an absolute blow-the-roof-off-the-stadium rock banger and I think it lives up to that. I wanted to get a little darker with this EP, while continuing the sound of the previous one. I feel like I really found a style of music that I love and am just excited to play. So, this release was all about developing that sound further.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 9, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Today, we have the exclusive honor of premiering Nathaniel Bellow’s latest track “I Once Did” – along with its accompanying lyric video – ahead of the release of his third full-length Three. Bellow’s signature gravelly vocals lead the track, with a light composition to really add a calm feeling to the audio. When Bellows insists “I don’t feel the weight that I once did,” you can feel it in the instrumentals.
Each of the songs from his upcoming release was inspired by his father’s death in the three years since his passing, so hints of grief and remorse can be found throughout. What we have here is art in its purest form.
Three is out Friday, December 11. Keep up with Bellows here.
by Sabrina Thurber | Dec 9, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
It’s not too hard to find a good song that focuses on pain, loneliness or loss. Similarly, there’s never been a shortage of music that pays attention to life’s beauty. It is a unique uncovering, however, to come across a piece that acknowledges both sides of the coin. The result is a sense of connection between the artist and the listener, with both parties realizing that life’s emotional oscillations are a part of the human experience.
Mikey Ferrari’s new single, “standoff”, creates a space in which listeners can appreciate this connection. In the track, Ferrari opens himself to sheer vulnerability, reflecting on the loss of a close friend. Beginning with an electronic celestial sound, Ferrari adds color to his description of the longed for “space boy”. To enchant us even more, the Los Angeles-based singer puts to use his impressive falsetto, making it all too easy for us to indulge in his delicacy. By showing us his soft side, Ferrari only heightens the significance behind his words.
Despite the pain, profound beauty can be found when we are faced with a loss– along with an appreciation for what the loss teaches us. Ferrari reminds us of this lesson in “standoff”, coming off his upcoming album, SPACEBOY, set to release in early 2021.
