by Abby Trapp | Mar 28, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New York based pop-rock HARE recently released their latest track “Rolls Along.” The track is sultry, deep, with powerful vocals. “Rolls Along” is a conflicting plead, with something you want- but something you can’t quit. “You think you’ve won, I’m staring at the ceiling thinking I’ve been done,” shouts HARE as if this is a battle that simply cannot be won. In reference to love, the chorus completes the track saying “Rolls along to somebody else.” “Rolls Along,” is an angsty even realistic track about the continuum of love- whether it be with this person or that person, it simply put “rolls along.”
Keep up with HARE here.
by Madison Blom | Mar 28, 2018 | 5 to 7
Reaching new heights since the release of their second album is Melbourne-based band Pretty City who have not only taken over the Britpop grunge scene in Australia, but have also been gaining radio traction here in the US. Most recently, this group has been busy writing, performing and producing their new album Cancel the Future which was released this month. Despite their busy schedule, the band members of Pretty City took the time to sit down with us and talk about some exciting news, here’s what they had to say.
When you started working together, what were your goals and plans for the future? How have they changed since then?
When we started, we had all been in other bands that weren’t playing as many shows as we’d have liked. We were all kind of frustrated, so we just played as many shows as possible. We said yes to absolutely everything and started touring straight away. I guess it was a very explosive but scattergun approach. Over the years we’ve refined this to try and build a more of a global fan base and not limit ourselves to Australian shores.
Was there ever a time where you felt that you had achieved what you set out to do? Or are you still chasing that dream?
No. Never. We’re always chasing better song writing and better albums. I don’t think we’ll ever stop trying to create that piece of art that we think is perfect, which is the trap because there’s no such thing. I think the four of us are just those kinds of people.
Are there any bands or artists that you like to model your sound or style after?
I don’t think there’s anyone in particular that we’ve tried to model our sound and style after but we certainly have strong influences. The four of us have really diverse tastes and influences, but the band has always been great at allowing those influences to shine through and take Hugh’s songs in interesting directions. I think we draw we draw a lot from other band’s attitudes and approaches to song writing. We all love the Beatles and the Stones and the art of simplicity, but we also love bands like the Killers, Jet, and the Brian Jonestown Massacre for how they were able to reinterpret older ideas and make them their own. From the grunge era there are so many bands but I’ve been prettyinfluenced by Green River, Soundgarden, L7, Hole and the Smashing Pumpkins. From an attitude perspective we love Black Sabbath and the Doors and T. Rex. It’s just sexy stuff.
What does your writing process look like? Is it a team or individual effort?
Hugh, our lead singer and guitarist, writes the songs for the most part. Or he at least has melodies and some lyrics and then we work on structures and parts together. It’s really very collaborative and each of us is totally free to make our own parts and contribute to the song writing. Hugh’s got an incredible ear for melody and for capturing and distilling complex emotions into catchy sing along lyrics, which is such a hard thing to do. We’re very lucky to have him, and the group dynamic is really productive and supportive.
As you prepare for your 27-day long European tour, what are your expectations? What are you most excited for?
I’m expecting a lot of time on the autobahn. I’m expecting to eat more cheese and pork products than I would usually consume in a year. I’m really excited to go back and experience the amazing European hospitality. We had such a great time last year and we can’t wait to get back and reconnect with all the friends we made.
Now that you are looking to take your music and sound to an international level, what are your expectations as far as reactions from fans and crowds?
I guess we’re excited to share our new music with people. That’s the unchanging thing for all of us that is the same whether we’re in Melbourne, Austin or Hamburg, we are excited to play music and share our experiences with everyone. I hope more people will come share that with us, but at the same time, we love playing music so much, so we’re happy either way. I think the crowds will grow in Europe significantly though.
What can fans expect in the year 2018?
Well, we’ve already recorded our third album, so you can expect to hear an early single from that later in the year. Other than that, I think we’ll be doing some more touring back home and enjoying our home town for a bit 🙂
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Keep up with Pretty City here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Mar 28, 2018 | albums, review, wolf tracks
D.C. based four-piece Babbling April just self-released a brand new EP titled Holy Gold. Babbling April is made up of Dave New, Vivi Machi, Ben Medina, and Ben Melrod. February of 2015 saw their debut release, On Breath. Now, Babbling April is back better than ever with the release of Holy Gold. With a unique indie sound and always authentic by self-releasing, Babbling April seeks to be truly themselves and bring joy to others through their music.
Tracklist:
- “Reputation”: Reputation seems to be a popular subject these days, and this unapologetic track flips it upside down with the idea that reputation doesn’t actually matter. Need to shake off the haters? Put this song on.
- “Blighted Years”: this track starts off with some excellent instrumentals and an inescapable beat. “Blighted Years” combines harmony, hitting lyrics, and great percussion to tie up a fantastic song.
- “In the Vulgate”: A rocking, quirky track, “In the Vulgate” is an instrumental interlude halfway through the EP that carries the listener into the second half of Holy Gold.
- “If Hearts Really Do Break”: Starting with a foreboding, almost extraterrestrial sound leading into a more gentle and acoustic instrumental track.
- “Without A Care”: Following in the vein of “Reputation”, this track lends itself to a bittersweet sound and some emotional lyrics.
- “Alliances and Rifts (and Separations in the Holy Gold)”: closing out Holy Gold is another instrumental track that has excellent composition and balance of instruments.
Overall, one of the best aspects of Babbling April’s EP is the careful instrumentation and attention to balance.
Holy Gold is available for vinyl preorder now. Keep up with Babbling April here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Mar 28, 2018 | premieres, wolf tracks
Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska, Parker Longbough is back at it again with a brand new LP, Left on Tri, out this April. Parker Longbough (irl Matthew Witthoeft) has just put out a second album, Bridges to Nowhere/Delirium in Lo fi last June, and is keeping the ball rolling with Left on Tri.
Bridges to Nowhere/Delirium in Lo fi followed after over a decade hiatus since his debut LP, Commander Comatose. Thankfully, Longbough is not making us wait another ten years for a new album; on the contrary, it was less than a year.
Off his new album is the single “Jack Ryan”, a moving track that weaves instruments with mellow vocals. It is a combination of indie rock and slight folk/country influences that combines masterfully, creating a pleasant soundscape.
Keep your eyes and ears open for Left on Tri, out April 20. In the meantime, give “Jack Ryan” a listen!
Stay connected with Parker Longbough
Facebook – Website – Twitter – Soundcloud
by ImperfectFifth | Mar 28, 2018 | soundtrack
I am really fascinated by love, it’s no wonder that so many artists including me, need to write about it. Because it can hurt us so much, but also fulfill us to the most. Love comes in every form. It can be bright or dark, it can be inspiring or destructive, it can fuel us with hope or drag us down. These are some of the songs I like to listen to the I’m in the mood for love…
Instagram: @diemxdiem
Facebook page: facebook.com/thisisdiem
by Madison Blom | Mar 27, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Drawing on the her bluesy background and soulful sound, Memphis-born artist Rania Woodard and producer/songwriter Brian Squillace have come together to put together some of the most popular up and coming sounds from the rising generation. Forming a dynamic duo, pop outfit LANNDS has created some of the most forward and interesting music on the market today. Since working together, they have worked to produce a new EP that is scheduled to drop later in the year. Their latest release, however, is the title track from the aforementioned EP titled, “Legends”.
From an early age Rania has always found solace in music and since her debut, the realization that she has a place in the music industry has transformed from a dream to a reality. Comprised of Woodard’s soulful vocals, blues background guitar as well as electro-pop musings from Squillace, this new artist’s music is as unique as it is relevant.
Since the formation of this hit new duo, they have racked up over 2 million streams to date, drawing attention to their out of the box beats and introspective, coming of age anthems. Not only have they caught the attention of fans ranging across all demographics, but they have also turned the heads of some of the well known names in the music industry such as Neon Gold. In the future, fans can look forward to the release of their EP Legends, but for now are soaking up the creative artistry of their latest release that bares the same name.
Keep up with LANNDS here.
by Meredith Schneider | Mar 27, 2018 | snapshot, visual
On Thursday, March 22nd, Courtship. played for a pretty packed room at The recordBar in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Their second time to hit the stage in KC in months, they maneuvered their way around their set like old pros, even beat boxing for us when there were some technical issues. It was a fun evening, and here are some photos that captured that fun.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Mar 27, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
French Horn Rebellion and Patawawa join forces to bring “Mr. Romantic”. “Mr. Romantic” is a disco song at its finest. The song sounds like it is about to take you on a tropical getaway. In the song, “Mr. Romantic”, the song is filled with high pitched and exceptionally amazing vocals.
The song is great for summer nights at a disco party or any party for that matter if you want to get up and move. “Mr. Romantic” came just in time for the warm weather. French Horn Rebellion and Patawawa will hopefully team up again for another amazing song in the near future.
Keep up with French Horn Rebellion here and Patawawa here.
by Abby Trapp | Mar 27, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Borderline legendary duo Matt and Kim recently released their latest music video “Forever”, off of their new album Almost Everyday, earlier this year. Mark Hoppus (of Blink-182) joins Matt and Kim on vocals for “Forever.” The video opens with the duo in a warehouse. Set in black and white, you wonder where the video is going as the beat is poppy and energetic. It breaks to Kim taking drums and the two going back and forth dancing with each other.
The video is carefree, simple, and sweet like the song reflecting lyrics “Together we’ll cause a stampede, running through streets- I can dance better in a seat, as you’re making fun of me.” The song and upcoming album Almost Everyday heavily reflect Kim’s recovery after an onstage injury in 2017. The duo seems to be back and it makes me super happy to see Kim dancing in “Forever.”
Tour dates for Matt and Kim can be found here.
