by Meredith Schneider | Aug 23, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Looks like Robert Schwartzman is keeping the promise he made us last year, when he stopped in Kansas City and said he wants to come out with a new EP every year, and tour based on each new release. So, essentially, he pledged to come back in 2018 a year ago. And we’re all for that, especially since he’s following up on that promise. Rooney is picking up steam again, and the new single is sweet summertime perfection, with a hint of 80’s nostalgia. Check it out below, then prep yourself for a tour date near you! (Seriously, it’s such a fun and incredible experience, and Robert is more than happy to spend time with all of his fans at each date!)
AUGUST
24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
25 – Denver, CO – Levitt Pavilion
26 – Santa Fe, NM – Meow Wolf
28 – Phoenix, AZ – Rebel Lounge
29 – Las Vegas, NV – The Bunkhouse
30 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent
SEPTEMBER
13 – Kansas City, MO – Recordbar
14 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club
15 – Davenport, IA – Daytrottter
16 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
18 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
19 – Albany, NY – The Hollow
20 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
21 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
22 – Washington, DC – Rock & Roll Hotel
Keep up with Rooney here!
by Karina Marquez | Aug 17, 2018 | albums, review
Pop punk is a genre that many of us identify as our first real musical love. It’s the music that blasted in our earphones as we tried to survive eighth grade . And for many of us, that love fades away as our own teenage angst forms into something new, something “mature.” Belmont’s new self-titled album reminds us of that first love and how that music has involved in itself, while still being as cool and emotional and punk.
This album is the epitome of what pop punk music is. Each song showcases the band’s youth and talent. Frontman Taz Johnson’s vocals are hypnotic, and combined with Brian Lada on drums, Sam Patt on guitar, and Alex Wieringa on bass, the end result is magical. The moment the opening track “Empty” bursts to life with an explosion of guitar and drums, I am flooded with nostalgia and the desire to head bang like crazy. As the album goes on, each song seems to give off that same vibe that only this music can give. There are also so many lyrics that stand out because of their depth and honesty. “Interlude” is a slowed-down song that, despite its cool beat, has you thinking instead of head banging:
Do you know what it’s like to be alone?
To live life feeling numb and cold,
It’s a ******* nightmare on its own
And it just gets worse as we grow old.
The second half of the album picks up speed once again, with powerful tracks like “Hollowed Out” and “Convalescence.” As the album comes to an end with “BMC,” Johnson asks the million dollar question: “Why do I pretend to keep caring?” Belmont’s talent is undeniable in both their music and their lyrics, showing the band’s inevitable rise as the next great act.
Keep up with the band here.
by Karina Marquez | Aug 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Portland band The Stubborn Lovers are here for a good time with their latest single “Drivin’ 22.” Their country-rock vibe shines in this track with an authenticity that only that kind of music can bring. The electric guitar riffs and upbeat vocals make for an extremely catchy tune. The lyrics relate to the child in all of us. They are bursting with nostalgia, with vivid opening imagery of a family making their way down Route 22:
Daddy’s at the wheel of a Ford Country Squire,
Mama’s putting makeup on down to the wire,
Sister’s in the back spilling Goldfish on the floor,
Shepherd’s in the way back scratching at the door.
The track is reminiscent of a simpler time by embodying the ambiance of an American summer. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to go back to the land of family road trips, fast food stops, and even the backseat fights with your siblings.
Be sure to check out their upcoming album Mother Road, out August 17. Keep up with the band here.
by Karina Marquez | Jul 9, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Ed the Dog’s new single from his debut album Shame is an ode to the simpler times which, in this case, is the television era. Ed Wettenhall has created a song that is reminiscent of 90s pop. Its catchy chorus paired with an upbeat guitar gives off a song-of-the-summer vibe. While “Television Era” is incredibly charming, it also references the angst of nostalgia, growing up, and living in the modern world. But despite that, it still makes you want to dance.
Be sure to check out Ed the Dog’s album, and keep up with him here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 3, 2018 | 5 to 7
Punk folk outfit Mike Llerena & The Nerve recently released an album titled Old Haunts & New Horizons, and we haven’t been this thrilled in a hot second. First of all, the unique blend of genres is incredibly striking. Second of all, the journey they take you on over the length of ten tracks is indescribable, and absolutely perfect for a summertime release. Take a listen to it below, then read on for our short, fun interview with Mr. Llerena himself!
What was your first musical memory, or the first album or song you heard? Do you think that has any bearing on who you are as an artist now?
I think my first musical memory would be hearing The Beatles in my house as a little kid. My first concert was actually seeing Paul McCartney solo when I was about 10 (setting the bar high!), but before then I had been hearing those songs for as long as I can remember. Like a lot of musicians, The Beatles have remained a fixture in my music library and their influence permeates my approach to songwriting and arrangement, even if I don’t always realize it.
I know you’re from Gainesville… do you think being from Florida has helped shape your sound, or do you think you’d be playing the same type of music had you originated elsewhere?
While I certainly have a lot of influences that aren’t specific to Florida, growing up here certainly played a role in me discovering and embracing certain bands. If I hadn’t moved to Gainesville and played music for years here, I would probably still like Against Me!, Hot Water Music and Tom Petty, but living here definitely makes you feel more of a kinship with those bands and artists.
Your upbeat single “Crossfire” was a great intro to the new album. What inspired it, specifically?
“Crossfire” had actually started off as a slower, acoustic song (with harmonica parts on it nonetheless) before I adapted it to the faster, louder full band version that we play now. The lyrics of the song deal with the anxiety of feeling caught between two opposing sides in an argument, going through various stages of identifying with one side’s argument over another and trying to find your own place in that conversation. Whether you’re dealing with this on a more personal level or observing it in the current state of political discourse in the U.S., the lyrics of the song can apply to different situations.
What was the production process like on Old Haunts & New Horizons? Any fun anecdotes?
We spent about a year recording the album. During that time, we formed the band, played shows in and out of Gainesville, kept recording in the studio, and lived our day to day lives outside of the band. Our engineer Jared Pennock (Z-Chord Studios) co-produced the album with me. He also co-produced and engineered my last two solo EPs as well. Working with him a third time was great because we have a sort of established shorthand with each other after recording together for so long. A lot of cool things can come out of working with someone you’re comfortable with in the studio: the spoken word intro on “Last Words”, the tape machine intro on “The Catharsis”, ideas like that are facilitated in that type of environment and it makes for great moments on the record.
How do you want fans to feel after listening to the album in its entirety?
Above all else, I just hope people like the album. Being on the other side of the process, I feel like each listener can and probably will feel different things after listening to it. The album may mean one thing to me, but it may mean something else entirely to a listener. I wrote the album and sequenced it in a way so that the songs tell somewhat of a story from start to finish. It’s a loose narrative, but at its core, I think it’s about a young adult reflecting on where they’ve been been, where they are now, where they’re going, and how all three of those things are connected. The bittersweet nature of nostalgia is a prevalent theme on the album as well.
On a broader spectrum, what drives your passion to create music?
I’m always writing songs. In some ways, writing songs on a regular basis has helped me document the last few years of my life. A lot of musicians say this, but songs and albums are like snapshots in a way, windows into significant moments in your life that you can reflect on long after they’ve passed. For me, writing songs is like a necessity that needs to be fulfilled, like having enough oxygen. Whether I become successful playing music or not, I’ll always write songs in some capacity. It’s something that I love doing.
If you could be any superhero – “existing” or made up – who would you be and why?
While Batman is my favorite superhero, I would have to pick Spider-Man just so that I could experience swinging from building to building several stories above the ground. Exercise is important and web-swinging sounds a lot more fun than running on a treadmill.
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Keep up with Mike Llerena & The Nerve here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 29, 2018 | albums, review
Today, Louisville, KY-based musician Jim James releases his new 11-track stunner of an album titled Uniform Distortion. From the very first guitar riff of “Just A Fool”, you get a sense that this man has put every ounce of emotion he has into this work of art. Excuse us if we’re wrong, but to start with a riff so energy-infusing and raw is something that doesn’t happen often enough. And while he sings about being “just a fool getting by,” we’re certain that’s a bit of an understatement.
If you don’t see what we mean with the initial track, try the nasty guitar lick that introduces “You Get To Rome”, or the riff that underlies “Out Of Time”. It is only with fourth track “Throwback” that the pace slows for a more intimate and introspective five minutes and nineteen seconds of nostalgia. (Though we have found that James’ lyricism doesn’t lack an introspective quality, something we yearn for when seeking out new music to enjoy.) And while “No Secrets” keeps to a slower pace – and properly displays a little more of James’ vocal range – “Yes To Everything” might be one of our favorites on the album. His laughter, his sense of self, the upbeat way with which he addresses change. We’re here for it.
If you don’t realize by seventh track “No Use Waiting” that this man is – at his core – probably a rock god, “All In Your Head” will serve to prove you wrong. It is with the last three tracks – “Better Late Than Never”, “Over and Over”, and “Too Good to Be True” – that slight bouts of that truly upbeat Partridge Family feel hit you unexpectedly. It blends perfectly with the era his music seems to come from, an era more lush and filled with warmth.
And that’s how you’ll feel after encountering Uniform Distortion. It brings you to that warm, comfortable happy place while introducing more and more insightful lyricism with each track. So hit play, and see what this new release evokes for you!
Keep up with Jim James here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 23, 2018 | premieres, wolf tracks
Californian singer-songwriter Michael Brondstetter has just released a brand new track, “Cherish Time,” off his upcoming EP Change Your Mind, out on April 27. Change Your Mind follows Brondstetter’s debut 2017 EP, Iron Mountain. His new single, “Cherish Time” brings the listener back into his Americana-folk-rock soundscape. Woven across heartfelt vocals and instrumentation, the track sums up its title perfectly. Filled with nostalgia and familiarity, “Cherish Time” will fill your heart and soul with good things.
Says Brondstetter of his new track,
I wrote “Cherish Time” at a time in my life when there was a whole lot of change going on. I just looked around at things a thought to myself, enjoy this moment because it won’t come back around again. Recording the song was like walking into a whole new world for me. Tom Freund really brought a lot to the table in his playing and production concepts. Working with Chris and Eleanor was a true blessing. They are so talented and inspiring. Having their participation and input, was invaluable. Everyone did a magnificent job getting to the songs soul.
Watch for Change Your Mind, out April 27. Stay connected with Michael Brondstetter: twitter- instagram- facebook- website-
by Madison Blom | Mar 16, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New tune from Pizzagirl not only rocks and rolls as much as it brings the house down, but it also come with a guarantee from Liam Brown himself. Speaking of his latest single “Coffee Shop,” Liam promises that “each listen of ‘Coffee Shop’ is blended expertly in the bedroom of Pizzagirl to ensure maximum taste for your ears. One spoonful of nostalgia with a dash of 1998 ensures a listening experience like no other.” With this pledge to his listeners, Brown hopes to move into the limelight of the dance floor with his quirky, introspective electronica. As he is neither a girl or an over enthused connoisseur of pizza, even his moniker matches his wonderfully fresh and innovative style of music.
As a performer, Pizzagirl stands solo on his stage accompanied solely by his trusty laptop representing the idiosyncrasies of the introvert and over exuberant extrovert with zany beasts, rhythms and electric sense of style. This new release, however, is not the only news from this new performer. Brown has also released new tour dates that will bring him all over the United Kingdom. Also, Brown has announced that he with be releasing his all new EP this coming April titled Extended Play. With all this news coming from Pizzagirl, it is sure to rally the fans in Brown’s favor in the future.
Keep up with Pizzagirl here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Mar 15, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Calagary-based rock-n-roll duo Miesha & the Spanks have just released a brand new record, Girls, Girls, Girls, produced by Paul Rawson and Danny Farrant. Miesha Louie’s guitar and vocals paired with Sean Hamilton’s drums make for a two-piece bursting with energy, volume, and authentic yet unique garage rock. Here’s the run-down of Girls, Girls, Girls:
First Blood – the record starts with a rollicking track, appropriately titled “First Blood”. Miesha & the Spanks waste no time getting the listener comfortable, and immediately introduce their nostalgic yet modern sound.
Motorin’ – picking right up where “First Blood” left off, “Motorin” is one of the most rocking tracks on Girls, Girls, Girls.
“Come Undone” – an unapologetic track with a bit of a retro sound, “Come Undone” showcases Miesha’s vocals magnificently
“Lost Boy” – with a beat that will have you jumping up and down, bass that will take you to another time, and an angsty, lost sound, “Lost Boy” is the band’s garage rock at its best.
“Girls” – the title track of the record, this song is a combination of groovy nostalgia on a punk backdrop.
“Atmosphere” – this is a song for anyone who’s been told to keep it down. One listen and you’ll be hooked by beat, contagious chorus and lyrics. You can also check out the lyric video for Atmosphere that Miesha & the Spanks have already released.
“Be Alright” – an unapologetic, feel-good song, “Be Alright” shows a bit of the lighter side of the duo while maintaining their sound.
“Stranger” – with a bit of a girl-group sound to it, “Stranger” is reminiscent of the days when you looked for a love that no one else had.
“Witch Hunt” – the penultimate song on the record, “Witch Hunt”, is filled with devil-may-care attitude, rocking “yeah-yeah-yeah”s and individuality.
“Summer Love” – the final track on Girls, Girls, Girls, “Summer Love” closes out the album on a bittersweet, lighter note. Just like a summer love, you won’t want this record to end (that’s why you put it on repeat).
Stay connected with Miesha & the Spanks (and maybe catch them on tour!)
Website – Facebook – Spotify – iTunes – Instagram – Twitter
