by Kayla Hutton | Mar 23, 2018 | albums, review, wolf tracks
Let me begin with why the anagram title. Led by Christopher Porterfield is the band Field Report (Porterfield/Field Report) A-ha, get it?.) Released today, Summertime Songs is the band’s third album, and the first being released through Verve Forecast which is part of the Verve Label Group. Lyrical content seems to be a polished focal point as metaphors are commonly used and his style falls in line with classic folk singers who told stories rather than followed the Dr. Seuss rhyming scheme. There is something heartfelt as you make your way through summertime songs, and as I understand all songs were written while Christopher and his wife were expecting their first child.
Based out of Wisconsin, Field Report is rounded out by drummer Shane Leonard, guitarist Thomas Wincek, and bassist Barry Clark who’s contributions complement each other in creating solid transitions and strong build-ups. A perfect example of this can be heard on “Never look back”. Boasting soft toned clean guitar leads and lightly brushed with an epic cinematic climax “Never look back” as I interpreted it, seems to be about that train wreck style of attraction. Addicted to the things we hate, or maybe that we loved at one point, sticking with it until it comes down to yourself and what you need to do for you. summertime songs is the kind of album you can leave on from start to finish.
There is a mood that goes alongside it that is easy to swallow, cruising along with no bumps in the road, meaning there isn’t a ballad followed by a loud obnoxious track, followed by a rap song followed by a country song. “Blind Spot” has some brilliant and beautiful background vocals that lay out the as if weightless and surrounded by light soft clouds flowing in succession to the backbeat.
The highlight on the album is “If I Knew”. Subtle lyrical genius in the line, “If I knew, what I know, so far yet to go”. Along similar lines of Bruce Springsteen, Counting Crows, and John Cougar Mellencamp. Maybe even fans of The Fray will appreciate Field Reports consistency and their “just right” approach that isn’t over nor underdone. Kinda like when Goldie Locks finds her perfect temperature bowl of porridge.
Tour Dates
Tuesday, March 27: Chicago, IL – Schubas
Wednesday, March 28: Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI
Thursday, March 29: Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
Friday, March 30: Toronto, ON – The Drake
Saturday, March 31: Montreal, QC – L’Escogriffe
Tuesday, April 3: New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
Thursday, April 5: Philadelphia, PA – Milkboy
Friday, April 6: Washington, DC – Songbyrd
Saturday, April 7: Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe
Sunday, April 8: Columbus, OH – Rumba Cafe
Friday, May 25 – Sunday, May 27: Boston, MA – Boston Calling
You can get a copy of Summertime Songs here. They are touring in support and you can check the dates on their website or by following them on Facebook.
by Kayla Hutton | Mar 15, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Datarock‘s latest album, Face the Brutality, dropped March 9th through YAP records. DATAROCK is an 80’s recreating synth-rock band hailing from Norway, a place known more for its black metal. The band says the album’s title comes from a phrase they had heard prior and that, “coming from a city of black metal, and with a background in punk and trash metal, we found the title so utterly wrong for DATAROCK.”
Face the Brutality‘s first track, “BMX”, kicks off in good ol 80’s drum machine style. Joined in by an arpeggiated synth line that takes you back in time. I dropped a line to the band and asked,” why re-create that period of time?” Fredrik responded, “Probably just the fact that I grew up back then and have fond memories connected to those kinds sounds.” Seems, he isn’t alone. It’s becoming a trend and everyone is jumping on the bandwagon with aqua net and 80’s fever. There are contemporary sounds in this 80’s mix alongside some spunky lead guitar riffs, old school wah-wah, and some great group back up singers. Fredrik’s voice can range in the stylings of Beck, Sting, and even Sisters of Mercy as you get into the albums 4th track “Laugh in the Face of Darkness”, with its seductive sound. DATAROCK is a surefire for 80’s party like entertainment, not only through audio alone. Their stage show is top notch and made famous by wearing red tracksuits, in which you can purchase through their website. More than just a synth-driven pop band with punk influence the lyrics throughout have a poetic depth that can be thought pondering. When asked what track he was most stoked about Fredrik stated, “Today my favorite is the one named after a soap opera featured in Twin Peaks’s first season – Invitation to Love; a track that reinvents the ballad as a dance floor genre … and puts the reverb back on Kjetil Møster’s saxophone.” The track begins with drum and bass that is smoother than a baby’s butt. Mysterious like a hitman, and as sleek as a leatherette in an 80’s Porsche. The album ends on a punk-ish note with “Darkness at the Edge of the Pit.”
Overall the album hosts a series of hidden gems when it comes to musical diversity. DATAROCK have revamped the 80’s genre and polished it to perfection. When asked about the international reception Fredrik comments,”Over the years it’s been great! Like how we been able to play a thousand clubs and festivals in 36 counties on 5 continents – and how we ended up as 36 on NME’s list of albums of the year, or how Rolling Stone Magazine made Computer Vamp Love 88th beat of the yeast, etc. So far the best international response on the new album has been 5/5 in Music News and 4/5 in Classic Pop.”
In closing, what have we learned, Norway, more than just black metal, they’ve got DATAROCK. Go purchase your copy of Face the Brutality (or a tracksuit) from the bands’ website.
by Madison Blom | Mar 13, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Bringing funk and innovative songwriting to the forefront of the music scene is Mosie’s Tangerine, which is sure to reign in the weekend vibes like nothing we’ve seen in recent history. This Boston based dynamic due has brought funk back with new and innovative twists that gives the genre a much needed face lift. With the addition of light synth melodies that blossom and bloom throughout the track and the delicate vocals that match the tone of their music perfectly, this group is sure to go far as they continue to create and produce music. Throughout their newest album, this group keeps it light and relaxing with their various instruments and techniques that are rarely married together.
Taking inspiration from the best of 80’s funk and old time crooner’s music, Adrian Brody and Jesse Levines has turned a throwback melody into something totally their own. Their debut album Tangerine tells the story of new-age romance and heartache that is shines a light of Jesse’s dreamy and often comical nature. Although it took some time and difficulties to find each other, the result is something that is out of this world. Mosie’s fresh new look and vocal versatility will being this duo to new heights as they continue to expand their every growing musical repertoire.
Keep up with Mosie here.
by Kayla Hutton | Mar 12, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Remember the day Beavis and Butthead immortalized the band “Ween” and the song “Push th’ little Daisies?” Half of the group’s mastermind dean ween, aka the deaner, rounded out by Mike Dillon, Bill Fowler (Sound of Urchin), Adam Weiner (Low Cut Connie), Michael Hampton (Parliament-Funkadelic) make up the dean ween group. Their second album, rock2, will hit the drums of your ears March 16th, 2018.
“Showstopper”, the first track off of rock2, is a garage rock classic, a first-hand account of a small space and loud amps. The second track,”Fingerbangin”, is a semi- surf riff driven track with some superb drumming. I’m sure a crowd favorite at concerts.I was about 3 songs deep when I realized Dean Wean, all suggestive humor aside has become a very seriously seasoned musician. The total 180 spawns a sound you’d find on an old Eagles album. Returning to form with “Theme from skinheads kicking your ass” is saturated with horns in the back, anamorphic bass guitar and it’s easy to sing along to because the only word is “Oi.” Pulling more twists and turns to the albums sound is Rock2’s shining moment, “Yellow Pontiac.”
“You are what you eat, and you are what you drive”
This gritty, grungy, roll around in the swamp mud, tear into a solo cup with your teeth, gulp the beverage inside, and spit out what you chewed off, kinda rock song is seriously humorous.
The album ends with one more turn that isn’t as drastic. A dive bar, blues-rock jam “Sunset over Belmar.” Overall there is plenty of Dean Ween’s style of humor as well as a split personality type of musical diversity.
You can preorder rock2 out on March 16th through Schnitzel Records and keep up with the Dean Ween Group via their Facebook page.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Mar 9, 2018 | review, wolf tracks
Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Such Luck is a pop punk group formed by members Ethan Campbell and Colt Coan after they left their previous band. They were later joined by Trey Juarez and Lyle Simon both from For the Team and Cody Miller from Embrace This Day. The band went on to release their debut single “Don’t Come Back” and from there, they plan on going up.
Such Luck gets Probably Happy with their new EP available March 16th. Probably happy is their debut EP to the public. Such Luck debut consists of five songs that display the bands true sound. “Wrong” is a personal favorite from the EP. The song sets the tone for the band, is raw and shows what the band is really about. Each song on the album brings its own flavor and stands out for different aspects.
With five songs to really kick up the panache, Probably Happy will definitely leave you wanting more by the time it is finished. The EP gives a glimpse into Suck Luck, making you eager for more music in the future.
Probably Happy is available everywhere March 16th. Keep up with Such Luck here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Mar 8, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Recently, Bergen-based folk artist Stíne Norse released four track stunner The Whale. Stine Norse’s vocals leave their mark on each track, soft and full, taking the listener into a trance, mesmerized with each new tune. If we’re being honest, the entire album is a delight to listen to. One of the songs on the album is titled “Blue Ridge”. “Blue Ridge” is a song about traveling but not knowing where to go. The singer is singing going places but not wanting to go to the direct route she wants to go.
A personal favorite from the album is “Don’t Fall” which takes your heart in mind. The song teaches you to love yourself first before you love anyone else. The other songs from the EP are titled “November 9th” and “Glittering Gold on Boundary Road”. Four songs are simply not enough from Stine Norse. The EP is well worth the listen and will leave you desiring more from her.
Keep up with Stíne Norse here.
by Kayla Hutton | Mar 7, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
“How can I believe” is the first track from Steve Barton‘s latest album Tall Tales and Alibis. “How can I believe in God when you’re the one who’s divine?”, that line is absolutely brilliant. Part 1 of this 3 album release is filled with predominantly acoustic, folk-ish style music with a lot of great vocal harmonies. “Shadow of the Bride”, even with it being acoustic has a hint of some old punk influences as the song speeds up and states, “I don’t know what to do, I don’t know what to do, about you.” There are some elements of surf rock, old punk, and David Bowie. Steve’s vocal range produces a low, soothing, yet haunting tonal quality similar to Johnny Cash.
His diversity comes as no surprise when you start turning the pages of his resume. Having a publishing deal at the age of 14, touring in a Beatles cover band, and in 1979 forming the band Translator. Some would go as far to say Steve and Translator were the first actual “alternative” band.
Part 2 of the album is more melancholic. It’s as simple as a man and his guitar. A more serious and emotive feel that opens the door to explore his depth a little further. “Haunt me tonight” being the most upbeat track on part 2, shows no shortage of Steve’s amazing way with words that really paint a picture you can see and feel.
“Promises and miracles pour like honey down the street.” Grim yes, but man, why didn’t I think of that. He is truly the master of analogies.
“Wake up in roses” begins Part 3 and does it full on. Horns, full band, rawk, and roll. It’s astounding this is the same guy. Like a change of season, this 37 song triple album release covers every spectrum you could ever desire. For me, the true shining moment on Tall tales and Alibis is “She is the girl.” Returning with a blues style that is complemented by an organ creating a nicely dusted and subtle psychedelic aftertaste. The beat is straightforward, simple, and that perfect repetition that makes you just zone out into the song. So I was little disappointed when the song ended, that so could have kept going.
Seriously, if you have never heard of Steve Barton, let “She is the Girl” be the track that opens the door. He has captured the fantasy and reality of “that girl” far better than Sting did with “Roxanne.” The entire album is loaded with actual storytelling style songs that do not skimp on originality or brilliance.
Don’t be put off by the 37 tracks, you can purchase each song for only $0.99 from Steve’s Website or get the entire 3 part album for only $14.95.
by Katie Pugh | Mar 6, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
LA-based electro-pop KAYLS inspires with her latest EP Modern Savages. The EP explores a variety of struggles Kayls has faced spanning from relationship woes to her past industry struggles. Her goal with the album is to encourage listeners and invoke strength within them.
Modern Savages perfectly demonstrates Kayls’ new-found confidence after years of feeling underestimated and mistreated throughout her career, specifically by music industry men. The EP’s second track, “Porcelain,” depicts the hardships Kayls faced. Her honesty and authenticity shine in this track as she expresses the trials and tribulations faced early in her career.
“Champagne” explores Kayls’ distaste for the expensive things in life. The soft yet intense piano ballad superbly showcases her raw yet powerful voice. The following track, “Modern Savages,” continues with a similar theme. Kayls flawlessly expresses her concern for human connection through the lyrics “what can you give me that money can’t buy.”
Both “Carousel” and “Summer” explore past relationships making the album relatable and showing listeners yet another side of such a multi-faceted and complex artist.
Kayls’ Modern Savages EP is supremely cohesive work of art that sends a musically pleasing and powerful message. With its haunting indie pop vocals and electronic, futuristic mix of musical elements, this album creates the perfect indie-pop atmosphere.
Keep up with Kayls here.
by Meredith Schneider | Mar 3, 2018 | review, snapshot
Not only did Philadelphia-based indie folk band Mt. Joy recently announced that they’re playing the incredible Atlanta-based Shaky Knees Music Festival in May, but they also released their self-titled debut full-length album. So while we’re over here saying, “Hell yeah!” repeatedly, we’re also not hoarders of the magic. We are all about sharing the best with you on a regular basis, so check out the thirteen track stunner in its entirety below! (Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments.)
But we’ve partnered up with Mt. Joy to bring you even more joy than you could possibly experience by listening to this album a couple of times. The guys are going to give away a vinyl copy of Mt. Joy to one lucky fan! To enter, follow the instructions below. (More chances to win the more you do!) Trust us, you do NOT want to miss out on the sonic ambiance that Mt. Joy sets, simultaneously raspy and rough vocally, while boasting a soft and beautiful instrumentation that will have you feeling fulfilled almost immediately.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Mt. Joy is out now. Keep up with the band here.
