by Meredith Schneider | Jul 23, 2018 | albums, premieres
Seattle-based indie rock/soul band Lanford Black is ready to take on the world with their new LP Electric Sweat. And, honestly, with the temperatures being what they are across the board, we’re ready to accept it into our lives as well. And though it won’t be available until July 27th, we happen to have the exclusive streaming premiere of the 10 track, self-released stunner in its entirety.
Touching on a variety of current issues, the band addresses life both previous to and after the election. Throwing in catchy, upbeat hooks, the messages are delivered in a way that is easily digestible, and super fun to jam out to. We might recommend all ten songs to be added to your end of summer bbq playlist, while you’re still in the mood to entertain and catch the sun’s rays. The soundscape lends itself nicely to a night in the backyard with friends, even in this sticky weather.
Tour Dates
June 14th // Seattle, WA // Barboza
June 29th // Spokane, WA // The Big Dipper
June 30th // Missoula, MT // TBA
July 1st // Bozeman, MT // TBA
July 2nd // Boise, ID // TBA
July 7th // Salem, OR // The Space
July 14th // Seattle, WA // Ballard Seafood Fest
July 27th // Seattle, WA // Sunset Tavern
Keep up with Lanford Black here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 20, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Cinematic synth rock trio Von Grey – comprised of Atlanta-based sisters Kathryn (Cello, Moog bass pedals, Mandolin), Annika (Lead Vocals, Violin, Synth, Banjo), and Fiona (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Violin, Synth, Percussion) – has graced our ears with the release of their brand new EP In Bloom. We’re incredibly smitten – and how can you not be with this musicianship? – so we had to get these six tracks in your ears before we signed off for the weekend. Drench your environment in the ethereal, laid back vibes induced by first track “Plans”, through the acoustic beauty of “6AM”, all the way through the last chords of “Dawn”.
If you’re traditionally not into family bands, don’t let the fact that they’re (SUCH TALENTED!) sisters throw you off. Their style, grace, and musicianship truly precede them, and we’re going to keep In Bloom on repeat for a while.
Keep up with Von Grey here.
by Aubrey Hanson | Jul 20, 2018 | premieres, wolf tracks
Mexican / Hong Kong based duo Deer is following up the success of their new EP Portraits by releasing a new Madzine remix of their song “Wild Eyes Self Oscillator”. This track is just a taste of what’s to come off of their upcoming remix release Portraits Remixed.The new remixed album is taken from the original EP Portraits but is spun around to give it a new electronic feel, while still containing many original aspects. The new ‘Wild Eyes’ remix gives the original song a fun, upbeat, and energetic dance style that makes you want to get up and start moving. For this being the first song off of the remixed album, Deer definitely leaves you wanting more, and waiting eagerly for their new album which is soon to be released on October 12th. While waiting for their new album to be released, make sure you listen to their first EP Portraits and their new remix of ‘Wild Eyes’ so you are fully prepared for the sensational album soon to come.
Keep up with Deer here.
by Aubrey Hanson | Jul 18, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Growing up in a small town in Ontario, Billy Moon, a punk-rock/alternative artist recently released two new songs from his upcoming LP Punk Songs, which is expected to be released very soon on September 14th! His two new songs, “White Shoes” and “Dingus”, combine elements of rock along with alternative, sounding similar to the likes of classic yet modern rock band The Strokes. If these two songs are just a teaser of what’s to come off of his new LP, then you can expect that the final project will surely be a phenomenon. Not only can you expect a new LP coming soon this fall, but you can also catch Billy Moon live in concert, when he sets out on his U.S. tour where you can hear his new music live!
Keep up with Billy Moon here.
by Aubrey Hanson | Jul 5, 2018 | premieres, wolf tracks
Today, talented musical act Leland and The Silver Wells – fronted by the phenomenal Leland Ettinger – releases their latest track “We Dissolve”, and we’ve got your exclusive streaming premiere. You may have already heard of this extraordinary artist from her past works, which you can find on her website. While these two albums may have gotten her large recognition, her new upcoming album will surely be a work of art like no other.
In “We Dissolve”, the soundscape itself is almost decadent, very relaxing due to the gorgeous choir-like vocals and the mid-tempo pace. From listening to “We Dissolve” multiple times, it is clear that throughout her album, you will be taken on an emotional ride that will leave you wanting to listen to the album over and over again!
From music school, to multiple popular albums you will want to be sure to keep an eye on Leland Ettinger for her upcoming self-titled album on September 14th!
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 Meredith Schneider | Jun 28, 2018 | albums, premieres
Alternative electro-synth pop artist HiRSH – the ethereal, enchanting brainchild of musician Beau Hirshfield – is releasing his new EP Going on Friday. If first track “Ready to Go” didn’t offer the expression of his readiness to take on this industry with strong instrumentals and luscious vocals in its soundscape, the lyrics tackle that question head on. “Beating Heart” brings the tempo down, though somehow maintains a “party anthem” feel to it despite its dark lyrical tones. And while “Feels Like” boasts enviable percussion, Last track “The Well” perfectly rounds out the EP, riling up every emotion a human soul is capable within its 3 minutes and forty-seven seconds of smooth vocalization.
Says Hirshfield: “Trial and error. Guess and check. Ebb and flow. Peaks and valleys. Go ahead and pick any cliché you like to describe this journey. We are all in a mad dash to get somewhere while nobody has any real clue where were actually going. Life.”
Going is out June 29th. The EP release show is at The Peppermint Club in LA on June 29th. Tickets are available here. Keep up with HiRSH here.
by Aubrey Hanson | Jun 26, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
The Chamanas, a primarily Spanish based band on the border consisting of members Manuel Calderon, Hector Carreon, Paulina Reza, and Alejandro Bustillos, recently switched things up when they released their new single “If You Build It, We Will Break It” in English. Their new song has a deep meaning behind it, stating that nothing can hold them back, and that they will break down all barriers both physically and emotionally in their way.
In addition to this new single, they have a new segment of their NEA album coming out this summer, which will be released on July 20th, 2018. Their album will not only include new songs, but also new English tracks which will be able to broaden their horizons and gain a worldwide fan base, so that is a new upcoming album that you will want to keep an eye out for. While the band has hints of cultural instrumentals and songs, they also tie in aspects of pop music, which will appeal to the greater population. You may have already heard of this band due to their outstanding work with Portugal. The Man, and even a few other well known artists, but their new music/album is sure to break the barriers of anything they have ever done before.
Be on the lookout for their new music and if you ever get the chance to see them live, make sure you go in order to hear all of their new music! Keep up with them here.
by Janilisse Wahlstrom | Jun 22, 2018 | albums, review
On June 22nd, punk rocker Lenny Zenith released his highly anticipated album What if the sun. His influences are from New Orleans an New York City. The twelve track journey is one for the ages; my personal favorites are “Sunday Dress”, “What If The Sun”, “Whatever Stella”, and “Suddenly Someone”. This selection was made since they all have amazing guitar arrangements. “Sunday Dress”, with its indie rock feel, has a special twist with Spanish vocals. “What If The Sun” has a spectacular intro and hypnotic lyrics to jam to, as you ponder thoughts like, “What if the sun fell out of the sky?” Some cool guitar skills and a percussion-heavy track can be found in “Whatever Stella”. “Suddenly Someone” cools it all down for us, with lyrics talking about a lover that we can all get behind. Each single described has the possibility to relate to all audiences.
Lenny’s genre-bending style is well exposed in each song, a style he’s been harnessing since he got his start in music fronting the band RZA in the 80s. His musical prowess has further developed over the decades, as he’s lent his expertise to several incredible musical projects. What If The Sun holds clear influence from some of his own personal experiences, as well as from some of the acts he has worked with over the years.
