by Karina Marquez | Aug 28, 2018 | albums, review
Toronto-based artist Marlon Chaplin has just released his full-length debut album and it is, to put it simply, a powerhouse record. Chaplin clearly has the range of a true rock performer and these ten tracks embody his style flawlessly. It is diverse, passionate, and an inimitable listening experience that will leave you wanting nothing more but to see the live performance (and to play the album on a continuous loop).
The record opens up with “The Circle.” As the attention grabber, the title track is very high energy, complete with a full-bodied opening instrumental. It is the perfect opening, capturing the adrenaline of that momentous first song of a rock concert. It sets the pace for other similar rocker tracks, such as “Drain Me,” “Imaginary Mary K,” and “Elevation.” The album slows down with two acoustic ballads: “Back to the Start” and “Take Me There.” They are dreamy and buoyant, complete with pretty harmonies. Chaplin’s more vulnerable side is at the forefront of these songs, making them even more beautiful.
“A Single Drop” is a cool song with a biting edge. It swings us back around from the romantic ballads, showing Chaplin’s diversity in sound and genre. Listeners are treated to yet another change of pace with “One Man Show” and “Where Did We Go.” Their upbeat sound reminds me of the band Bleachers, with the vintage upbeat aesthetic and catchy guitar riffs. And the final track, “Out on the Wing,” brings a flawless ending to a very well-rounded album. It’s slower and sad, but full of life, focusing on the magnificent sound of strings.
The amount of work put into this strong debut is clear. Released via Möbius Recordings, the album was produced by Chaplin, mixed by Chris Shaw (Partner, Weezer, Bob Dylan) and mastered by Joao Carvalho. With such a stand-out debut, The Circle is bound to impress anyone and everyone who listens to it.
The Circle is out now, and is available for purchase here.. Keep up with the latest on Chaplin here. Also, be sure to check him out on tour, including the album release show in Toronto on August 30th.
by Aubrey Hanson | Aug 27, 2018 | review, singles
It’s time to get lost in Joe Wood‘s new song “Parking Lots”! Prior to this song, Joe Wood took off from his booming success due to hit single ‘Had Enough’, where he basically states that he’s had enough! All of the success from this song led him to land great publications and many significant reviews! You may be thinking, “how can it get better than that?”, but in his new song ‘Parking Lots’, Wood sets all of the bars for fellow indie pop stars on the rise. In this song, Wood talks about the concept of getting lost and being free, and that is exactly how you will feel when listening to this song. The upbeat tempo and indie pop style of ‘Parking Lots’ will leave you feeling happy without a care in the world; not to mention, you will also be left wanting to keep this song on repeat. Sometimes all it takes to feel free, is driving circles in parking lots!
Make sure to check out all of Joe Wood’s new music here, and if you get the chance, go see him live on August 30th!
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 27, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Everyone’s favorite indie band Hop Along – comprised of Frances Quinlan (vocals, guitar), Mark Quinlan (drums), Tyler Long (bass), and Joe Reinhart (guitar) – is revving up for an exciting autumn as they travel overseas, largely in support of The Decemberists. And, though that means The States won’t get them for a hot second, we are just basking in the glow of the inspired, imaginative new video for their track “Somewhere a Judge”. Travel with the quartet as they adventure on tour, participate in mundane everyday activities, and get sucked into household appliances to experience a wonderland all their own.
Catch them overseas at the upcoming dates below!
European Tour Dates
* = w/ The Decemberists
9/9: New York, NY @ Pitchfork OctFest
10/30: Paris, France @ Pitchfork Avant-Garde
11/4: Dublin, Ireland @ Vicar Street *
11/5: Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy *
11/7: London, UK @ Eventim Apollo *
11/8: Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy 1 *
11/10: Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy *
11/11: Nottingham, UK @ Rock City *
11/12: Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall *
11/14: Uthrecht, Netherlands @ Grote Zaal TivRe *
11/15: Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso *
11/16: Berlin, Germany @ Asstra *
Keep up with Hop Along here.
by ImperfectFifth | Aug 27, 2018 | soundtrack
A playlist curated by DK (aka Ectoplazm), the lead singer of Junks.
- The Auryn – Klaus Doldinger
- Surveillance Camera – Rey Pila
- Oscar Mike – Captain Now
- Contact High – Architecture in Helsinki
- Everybody’s Movin’ – Junks (Robert Parker remix)
- Together In Electric Dreams – Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder
- Playing For Time – Madleen Kane
- Clutch – Miami Nights 1984
- 11th Dimension – Julian Casablancas
- That Funky Music – Midnight Driver
- Popularity – Sparks
- Annie – Neon Indian
- Anthonio – Berlin Breakdown Version – Annie
- Shannon’s Eyes (12” Version) – Girogio Moroder, Paul Engemann
- Firecracker – Yellow Magic Orchestra
- Communication – Ace Marino
- The Touch (LIFELIKE remix) – Mitch Murder
- Ooey – Vitalic
- New Lands – Justice
- One Way Trigger – The Strokes
- Real Bad Lookin’ – Alex Cameron
- Johnny & Mary (feat. Bryan Ferry) – Todd Terje
- Nuclear Holiday – Junks
- Enola Gay – OMD
The playlist I’ve compiled is a combination of songs, sounds and artists that influence Junks and the kind of music I like to mix when i’m DJing at parties or at my monthly retrowave party, Totally Rad.
The list reflects my love of synthwave and 80s synthpop, with songs that give me that warm and fuzzy nostalgic feeling, evoking images of the neon-drenched, Blade Runner-esque cityscapes implanted in my brain from too-much-movie-watching but also from my life here in the futuristic cities of Hangzhou and Shenzhen, China.
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Keep up with Junks here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 27, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Annie Goodchild has been enthralling us with her music for a hot second, hints of Annie Lennox and other incredible vocalists noticeable in her timbre. As the world seeks out fresh examples of strong, independent, and incredible women to add to their playlists, we think Goodchild fits the bill ten times over. And though we have to wait another month to hear this amazing songstress’ EP in its entirety – Meditative Mouthfuls is due out September 28th – we are pleased to share her latest single “Ether” with you now. Check it out below!
Keep up with Annie Goodchild here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Southern California-based duo Inspired & The Sleep – comprised of songwriter/producer Max Greenhalgh and multi-instrumentalist Bryce Outcaul – is a fan favorite, and they’ve finally got new music for our (patiently) awaiting ears. “Right Place, Right Time” provides a funky, experimental soundscape that feels perfect for the last few weeks of those lazy, warm summer days. Occurring at a relaxed pace, this track is perfect to jam out to at that last summer BBQ or while hanging out with your significant other on a car or boat ride. The lyrics, however, call to mind a more intricate thought process than the instrumental vibe would suggest. Explains the duo of the track:
“Right Place, Right Time” is our anthem for forgiveness and heartbreak. It recollects a period in my life where I was deeply in love with an individual that, simply put, didn’t feel the same way about me. I spent so much time, energy, and thoughts into resenting this girl and whoever she wound up with. This song is about the introspective dialog of predicting/hoping for the perfect time and place to communicate my apologies and best wishes. Letting go is ultimately the only answer in order to move on.
Keep up with Inspired & The Sleep here.
by Gemma Harewood | Aug 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
We are quickly becoming fans of the label Absent Mind. They are onto their third release since they launched earlier this year, and their latest record has been produced by tofû. Vocalist Chloe Farrell has collaborated with him for “Wayward,” a really breathtaking listen with effortless style.
Her drifting yet somehow gritty tones are the perfect match for tofû’s understated production. Muted chimes and lightly bubbling electronica are the backdrop for its soul-searching melody, and we love the way he uses pauses to carve out suspense and atmosphere.
Keep up with Tofû here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 24, 2018 | albums, premieres
Los Angeles-based visual artist, illustrator, zine-maker, and multi-instrumentalist Dakota Blue finally drops his insatiable 8 track Plaza to Plaza LP today, and we’ve got the streaming premiere! Starting in an eery way with what seems to be old opera music, “Plaza I” eases us into the emotional soundscape we are about to embark upon slowly and painlessly. “Private Car” keeps us at that tempo, blissfully floating through electric guitar notes and reverb for days. When we get to “Plaza II”, we aren’t sure if we should expect an extension of its predecessor or not, but it seems these two plazas exist in completely different atmospheres. Whereas the first gave us a taste for nostalgia in its entirety, the third track dances at a quicker tempo, layered with original vocals. “Game Show” brings the energy back down, but not quite to that of the first two tracks. In fact, it does continue with the “eery” theme, incorporating more of Dakota Blue’s vocals like its predecessor.
“I’m The Mannequin” feels older, perhaps with the way dissonance is manipulated throughout. “Scorpion’s Theme”, however, feels exactly as it is described, with heightened sounds to indicate staccato moments of intensity, as though you are facing down with a scorpion in person. This track absolutely belongs in a stressful horror movie, along with many of its colleagues on this collection. (Should we throw that idea into the universe?)
“Beijing” is melancholic in sound, beautiful in its vocalization and the simplicity of the lyrics. Dakota Blue rounds out Plaza to Plaza referencing a third plaza, “Plaza III”. This track begins so quietly, you almost have to focus on nothing but the music. Which is a testament to the way this musician creates, his experimental functions so pronounced that it is most admirable to find time to enjoy these tracks with your mind, body, and soul.
But don’t just take our word for it. Check it out in all of its freshly release glory below!
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Industrial shoegaze collective We Are Parasols – comprised of D (Vocals, Synthesizers, Bass), Jeremy Wilkins (Guitars, Piano, Synthesizers, Samples, Vocals), and Alec Eye (Drums, Synthesizers, Samples) – recently released new track “The Gods Have Become Disease”, and it’s time for your curious ears to have a listen. A dark, reverb-filled soundscape and luscious, intense vocals are the two outstanding aspects of this track, the overall feeling one of a hard rock ballad. If you’re looking for something a little heavier sounding than the pop-infused tracks of summertime 2018, this is your jam.
Keep your eyes peeled for We Are Parasols’ new EP toward the end of September, and keep up with them here.
