by Madison Blom | Feb 5, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Critics have been raving about
Jaden Smith‘s newest album
Syre since the day it released this last November. American rapper Jaden Smith has become one of the darlings of the music industry and has since received attention from fans across the globe. Not only did the album hit the US Billboard 200 at number 24 for
December 9, 017, but it has also received positive reviews from critics. This was a long awaited album, however for Smith’s followers especially after the music video for “Fallen” was released a few months prior. With the support of the social media crowd Smith has since become someone to watch in the near future.
To many who have heard her music, the name Syre was a point of interest and originates from Jaden’s middle name. The album features the many different facets of Smith’s talents. Upon listening to the album, those at Exclaim! wrote, “SYRE changes shape in such a way that it plays like two distinct albums; it’s a sonic playground, and Smith bounces from toy to toy, flexing his artistic muscle throughout.” Not only does the music favor the range and ability of Smith, but it also addresses several different topics of interest. For those looking to enjoy rap, this album is a twist on the norm and requires patience from the listener and attention to detail to appreciate the artistry.
Keep up with Jaden Smith here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Feb 1, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Tomorrow, musician Tony Banks – who began his career as a founder of the rock band Genesis, playing keyboard and composing music for the group – releases his sixth studio album Five. This studio album is unique because this will be Tony Banks’ third album containing classical music following Seven: A Suite for Orchestra in 2004 and Six Pieces for Orchestra.
The album holds five (no pun intended) songs on it, ranging from eight minutes to 15 minutes in length. Tony Banks is on the piano for each of the tracks, while the Czech National Orchestra, Czech National Symphony Orchestra Choir, and conductor Nick Ingman make up the orchestral arrangement.
The very first track from the album is “Prelude to a Million Years”. The song is the longest on the album, and exists at a slow tempo, led by beautiful piano chords and a blend of instrumentals. Toward the halfway mark, the music begins to pick up its pace. As the song goes on, it seems like it is taking you on an adventure. “Prelude to a Million Years” is a great starter track to the album. The second song on the track is titled “Reveille”. “Reveille” differs from its predecessor in tempo, starting off fast and then move slowly as the song gets to the middle and then begins to pick back up again. Other songs on the album are “Ebb & Flow”, “Autumn Sonata”, and “Renaissance”.
Five is out tomorrow. Keep up with Tony Banks here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Jan 27, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Today, the world is finally able to hear new music from indie pop band Felsen. The album delivers a message through melody and lyrics that they created in their late-night West Oakland Studio. A highly anticipated work, Blood Orange Moon is eleven tracks of musical wonder, from first track “Vultures on Your Bones” through the title track at the end.
“Vultures on Your Bones” has many different melodies crafted together as one. The acoustic guitar blends perfectly with the rest of the instruments and the leading vocals on the track. The song seems like it is about a vulture eating at the bones of an individual and the vulture will not leave the vocalist alone. The vulture continues to come back and bother the individual.
Blood Orange Moon will definitely take the listener on an emotional rollercoaster ride. The album goes from being about wanting to be with someone in songs like “Lovecraft”, losing a loved one in songs like “You and I will Meet Again”, and desire. It addresses human emotion in a beautiful way.It tackles communication, whether it’s face to face or direct. “Blood Orange Moon” is not only amazing because of the vocals and instrumentals, but the songs are relatable and relaxing. The album is great to turn on during a late night car ride when you just want to vibe to music or when you just want to unwind for the day and relax.
Blood Orange Moon is out now.
by Veronica DeFeo | Jan 26, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Kansas City, Missouri-based rock and roll indie band Listener is soon to release their full length album, Being Empty : Being Filled on February 2nd. Kansas City is home to a growing community of local indie/alternative artists, encouraged and supported by like-minded people, thanks in part to Kansas City being home to the largest revenue-making alternative radio station, 96.5 the Buzz. Thus, Listener couldn’t have a better place to call home and expand musically. However, they are by no means limited to the Midwest. Listener has been in the game for awhile, and has toured all over the world. A band of friends comprised of vocals and bass from Dan Smith, Kris Rochelle on drums, and guitar player Jon Terrey, Listener is a unique rock and roll band that pairs strong instruments with direct, bold lyrics.
From the first resonating notes of “Pent Up Genes”, you know that Listener is not a band that plays around. Already around for over a decade, the bandmates of Listener know their sound and own it unapologetically. Smith uses more spoken word than singing – what Listener calls “talk music” – in many of the tracks, which pairs well with the rock and roll tone of the band and allows for Rochelle and Terrey to sing through their instruments. While this idea of lack of singing in music may be something new for many, Listener makes it work. Focusing on the emotion and overall sound, at times, words are not even necessary, like in “Add Blue”. Aside from the clever title, already released single “Shock and Value” lives up to its name, filled with brash guitar and emotional vocals that at times surprise the listener (no pun intended). Place-themed tracks set right next to each other, “A Love Letter to Detroit” and “Manhattan Projects” encompass the feelings associated with those places. You can also view the video for “A Love Letter to Detroit” here. One of the most tender tracks on Being Empty : Being Filled is “Window to the World”, while maintaining Listener’s sound, with the simple yet touching repetition of “buddy, she was beautiful” and “the lights have to be bright to see anything at all”. Every track on Being Empty : Being Filled will leave with something to think about and hungry to hear more.
Listener is gearing up for a UK/Europe tour in March of 2018 with support from: Levi the Poet. Be sure to look for Being Empty : Being Filled, out February 2nd, 2018.
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by Kayla Hutton | Jan 25, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Ready for heavy and hardcore?
Primal Rite comes from San Francisco, an area that is known for cranking out metal (and any sub-genre of it) awesomeness. This crossover (metal with punk attributes) 6 piece began in 2016 and have released 3 singles and an E.P. throughout 2017. There can’t be a better way to bring in 2018 than by releasing their debut full-length album
Dirge Of Escapism set to release on
January 26th via Revelation.
The album begins with “Chapter Zero” a wind swirling intro that lands upon a beat fit to send the troops into battle. The introductory guitar riff induces a metal trance that will find you thrusting your upper torso back and forth. With a rawness similar to that of Sepultura’s Schizophrenia album there is no shortage of leads that squeal like an air raid siren.There are metal grooves with dynamics that offer each transition a welcome pass to slide on in.
“Interference” possesses a classic thrash/speed metal feel that is sure to gain the respect of any true metal head, “Sensory Link to Pain” shows some serious in the pocket groove and stomp that will have you pumping your fists to the sky. You can hear an influence that is a conglomeration of classic 80’s bay area thrashers with a hint of East Coast punk/hardcore.
If there is anything you need to know before you head over to their
Bandcamp and pre-order your copy of “Dirge of Escapism” it’s this, it’s heavy, it’s brutal, it’s reminiscent of a sweaty nightclub of clashing moshpitters and hardcore dancers. The album as a whole captures the energy of what a live show would be like. As a bonus, if you pre-order
Dirge of Escapism, you get 3 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released.
I almost forgot to mention, those guttural vocals, no it’s not Martin Van Drunen from Asphyx, it’s Lucy. That’s right a female. Don’t even think there is a moment of weak, pretty, “hand me my skirt” moments. This chick has raised the bar and proven when it comes to metal, it’s not just boys that can lay it down. Horns up to Primal Rite.
by Veronica DeFeo | Jan 24, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Frida Sundemo, Swedish born rising pop star, has recently released a three track remix EP of her album Flashbacks & Futures as Flashbacks & Futures (Pure Version) EP, featuring acoustic versions of previously released songs, “Gold”, “We Are Dreamers”, and “Flashbacks & Flashbacks”. Each song features the clear vocals of Frida accompanied by subtle yet soaring instrumentation. These stripped versions, appropriately called “pure,” display Frida’s crisp vocals perfectly.
The floating melodies on “We Are Dreamers” will have you in a trance. “Gold” paints a musical landscape if a song ever did. It will leave you saying, just as the song does, “this is gold”. She has also released a 360 degree video of “Gold”, accompanied by a string quartet, Migdal Strings. If that sounds awesome, it’s because it is.
Prepare to be blown away, not only by the interactive experience, but also by Frida’s musical talent . The title song, “Flashbacks & Flashbacks”, a track teeming in nostalgia and bittersweet melodies, can nearly induce tears from the listener with its beautiful . The whole album sonically depicts feelings of nature, love, childhood, and other human experiences. Flashbacks & Futures (Pure Version) EP is purely perfect.
Frida Sundemo Social Media
Instagram: http://instagram.com/fridasundemo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/fridasundemo
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fridasundemo
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Jan 24, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
London-based punk band Dream Wife sets the standards high with their debut self titled album Dream Wife. The group formed in 2014 at Brighton University as a performance for their art school. They wrote their own music and performed in many areas, solidifying themselves a future in music.
Dream Wife’s debut album consists of eleven songs in total each song ranging from two to three minutes long in length. The first song on the album is “Let’s Make Out”. “Let’s Make Out” is a second favorite because when you listen to the song, the song will make you feel young at heart, alive and free. The song is guaranteed to make you want to get up and dance. I mean come on, tell me you can’t picture yourself at a party or dancing around to this song in your house.
A personal favorite is “Love Without Reason”. In “Love Without Reason”, Dream Wife explores their feelings while also trying not to question how they feel at the same time. The song gives its listeners desire and ambition to love without question.
“Somebody” is the second song from Dream Wife’s album and is a song for women. The song is about women learning to love their bodies. “Somebody” is about women reclaiming themselves, as not just a body but, as a person. The songs shows what it is like to be a woman in society and women coming back to redeem themselves, showing the world that women are people and not objects.
Other songs on the album include “Kids”, “Hey Heartbreaker”, “Taste”, “Act My Age”, “Right Now”, “F.U.U.”, “Right Now”, “Spend The Night”, and “Fire”. The album is lively with many songs that are guaranteed to make the listener feel good.
Dream Wife’s self titled album Dream Wife is set to be released Friday January 26th. In the meantime be sure to check out other songs from this trio, you will not regret it. Keep up with Dream Wife here.
by Katie Pugh | Jan 24, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
If you appreciate the sounds of The Beatles, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Rolling Stones, Lady Blue Beard is the newest band to add to your collection. Songwriter, singer, and guitarist Klaus Fischer immaculately creates a folk-soul sound with the band’s debut album titled Picture of an Elephant. He flawlessly combines speaking, mild scat singing, and whistling with modern rhythms to create a polyphonic pop sound that radiates vitality and raw musicality. The musicality of each instrumentalist is showcased in each song through guitar breaks and vocal riffs. Picture of an Elephant manifests a brilliantly cohesive sound with each song driving the next, sounding similar yet impeccably powerful on their own.
Lady Blue Beard excites listeners with the first track titled “Breaking Your Heart,” a catchy, high energy track that screams hit single. It has the perfect blend of memorable lyrics, melodious instrumentals, and foot-tapping beats guaranteed to subconsciously play in the heads of listeners for days. “Road to Heidenau,” the album’s fifth track, buries beautifully written lyrics among a vibrant melody featuring a loose, dance-worthy rhythm. “Nestling” is the epitome of cohesion, a song that begins with a lullabye-like energy and continues to grow throughout. A guitar break, scat singing, and the addition of the drums morph this song into an unexpected, energetic piece. The final seconds of the song illustrate the inner spirit of the band giving listeners a glimpse in the creative songwriting process; voices simply continue scatting on creating a fun and entertaining atmosphere.
The title song “Picture of an Elephant” features a euphonious guitar and vocal mix that is both unrefined yet soothing. The ambiance of street sounds, birds, and wind in the background adds a new layer of authenticity to the song. Soul is dripping from this simple, lyricless song that epitomizes the heart of Lady Blue Beard’s music at the core.
The final song, “Where the Blue Wind Grows,” supplies the album with a perfect resolution; taking qualities of each song to construct meticulous cohesion. It begins with delicate harmonies and somber lyrics yet picks up as drums and guitar carry the song in a new direction. The vocals follow suit with new intensity generating dynamic excitement. The final chords mimic the song’s opening as the ferocity slowly fades to a final few strums of guitar, magnificently bringing the song full circle
This album passionately embodies emotion and vitality through tranquil vocals and calming instrumentals while retaining an energy that leaves fans humming, scatting, and tapping along.
Picture Of An Elephant is available now. Keep up with Lady Blue Beard here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Jan 22, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Some artists have difficulty reinventing themselves or putting out new content after being in the world of music for awhile. However, in James Mercer’s lengthy music career, this has yet to happen. Following the 2017 release of Heartworms – an album five years in the making – Albuquerque-based rock group The Shins just dropped The Worm’s Heart on January 19. The Worm’s Heart is a flipped album that discombobulates the track listing, instrumentals, and mood of Heartworms. The Shins as a band has always metamorphosed throughout the years, and The Worm’s Heart is only more proof of Mercer’s ability to appeal to a variety of genres and ears while maintaining an authentic sound.
It ends with “Name For It”, while Heartworms starts with that track. “Fantasy Island” changes from nostalgic and slightly morbid to a completely different, upbeat sound – almost as if Buddy Holly and David Bowie remixed it together – and it totally works. As one might expect from a guitar rock group, the guitar on the flipped version of “Mildenhall” is absolutely spectacular, and is one of the best reinventions on The Worm’s Heart. It’s the perfect jam sesh song, whether you’re stuck in traffic or rocking out with friends. “Name For It” is flipped from an upbeat bop on Heartworms to a moody, synth-filled track on The Worm’s Heart. The flipped version of “Cherry Hearts” sounds Beatles-esque, while the original on Heartworms is a definitively 21st century, light electronica song.
By retaining the original lyrics but providing each track with a completely new sound, The Shins display their versatility, talent, and ability to put forth quality content to appeal to a variety of ears. If you already had trouble picking a favorite track on Heartworms, get ready for even more competition for your most-loved song on The Worm’s Heart. The Worm’s Heart is a treasure trove of synth, retro vibes, and a touch into various genres. It’s an absolute treat for the ears, and a fantastic tribute to The Shins’ ability to reincarnate their own music. Last, but certainly not least, the album art for both Heartworms and The Worm’s Heart is AMAZING! Who doesn’t love a good ol’ dark-floral-and-skulls thematic landscape? Mixing the perfect amount of edgy with wistful, The Worm’s Heart is sure to please both old and new fans of The Shins.
The Worm’s Heart
- The Fear (Flipped)
- So Now What (Flipped)
- Heartworms (Flipped)
- Dead Alive (Flipped)
- Half a Million (Flipped)
- Rubber Ballz (Flipped)
- Mildenhall (Flipped)
- Fantasy Island (Flipped)
- Cherry Hearts (Flipped)
- Painting a Hole (Flipped)
- Name For You (Flipped)
Check out The Worm’s Heart now, available to stream on Spotify and for purchase on iTunes.
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