by Aubrey Hanson | Jul 16, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Built up of talented musicians and performers, up and coming band Slothrust recently released an exciting and rebellious video for their song ‘Double Down’ on July 12th. The video as well as the band, presents a sense of rock music along with a mix of alternative genres, that gives the video a carefree rock and roll vibe, which is the type of attitude that everybody needs this summer. ‘Double Down’ is just a taste for what’s to come off of Slothrust’s new album THE PACT, which is to be released on September 14th. Slothrust provides an aspect of carefree yet meaningful and empowering music that is appealing to anyone no matter what genre it may be. Make sure you’re ready for when their new album comes out, because it will be sure to set all of the bars!
Check out their music here!
by Gemma Harewood | Jul 16, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Back on top with taste-makers CloudKid this week, TRAILS is continuing his streak of gems. This time it’s with the release of his first original single “Hold Up.” In his latest musical venture, TRAILS teams up with Rromarin for vocal duties. With her pronounced pop sensibility, Rromarin occupies a sonic space somewhere between folk and electronic that is all her own.
Pairing a stripped-down production style with a bouncing bassline and seductive vocals, TRAILS has created a forward-thinking hybrid of sound on “Hold Up.” Both artists are bringing their best game to take over the airwaves with another catchy hit.
You can stream it below!
Keep up with TRAILS here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 13, 2018 | albums, review
Cincinnati-bred indie pop collective The Ophelias – comprised of Spencer Peppet (vox, guitar), Grace Weir (bass), Micaela Adams (drums), and Andrea Gutmann Fuentes (violin) – drops their latest masterpiece today, and we’re so jazzed about it, we almost can’t explain it in words. Delicate vocals, overlaid with (largely) light percussion and mellifluous strings make this album what it is, and largely describe the band’s soundscape. Not only is there a delicacy in the vocals, but there are quirks that make the effect much more striking than the word “delicate” would lead you to believe.
From the elegant beginning of first track “Fog”, through the equally leisurely pace of “General Electric”, into “Lover’s Creep”, you come to find the entire album feels ethereal and intense in a very unique way. “Night Signs” slows the pace down exponentially, the instrumentals slightly lower, and paints a darker-feeling audio feed. “O Command” is different, in that the vocals rise to a higher octave, the instrumentals maintaining a low, luscious feeling. “Lunar Rover” and “Bird” continue into an increasingly experimental place, picking the pace back up again with eighth track “House”.
While you can’t expect the pace to pick back up again over the last two tracks of Almost – “Zero” and “Moon Like Sour Candy” -, you can expect to nab deep, meaningful vocals that make for an introspective night on your back patio, music playing softly over the sound of the trees rustling above you.
Get started below.
Keep up with The Ophelias here.
by Karina Marquez | Jul 13, 2018 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
British artist Talitha Rise is a cross between a woodland fairy and Stevie Nicks, and the result is something magical. “Chapel Bell” comes from her latest album, An Abandoned Orchard House. It is as haunting as it is poetic. The instrumental is grand, dotted with a chiming bell and echoes of Rise’s croons. “Where are we running to?” she asks, making us wonder along with her.
“Chapel Bell” is the moment you literally hit the floor and then find that in the moment of reaching your lowest point there’s something holding you. It’s like the only way to get out of something is to go into it first. It’s about recovery, strength and growth and I took the analogy of the little match girl and the sound of the chapel bell on the hill near my house to represent that instinctual knowing, that alarm bell that knows when something is right or wrong for us. We can lose self-trust when we’ve been in a dark place and getting that trust again gets us up and out.
And don’t let the “Remix” in the title fool you – this is not a club track overloaded with synths and bass drops. Rise recounted her experience working with Doktor Matty B, who managed to capture and highlight the dreamlike quality of her music:
Matt remixed the track beautifully. He added this great ethereal layering and tone to it and he left it empty, he didn’t over fill it and I think his approach was just sublime and intelligent. Remixes are always tricky so it was an honour to have someone like Matt get inside the track and its true meaning.
Listen to this with the curtains drawn, eyes closed, and a cup of tea handy. Rise’s lyrics combined with her mesmerizing voice will put you in a trance that you won’t want to get out of anytime soon.
Check out Talitha Rise’s album, and be sure to keep up with her here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 13, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
In May, indie pop act The Ramona Flowers – comprised of Dave Betts (keys/guitar), Steve Bird (singer), Ed Gallimore (drummer), Sam James (guitar), and Wayne Jones (bass) – released their third full-length album, 11-track stunner Strangers. And, though we are impressed by each track and the way it tells a story as a whole, we are even more impressed by the new visual representation that goes along with single “Ghost”.
The video takes place in a large, modern home nestled amongst the trees. If you’ve ever seen the Twilight series on the big screen, then imagine the band performing in the dark, uninhabited halls of Edward’s family home. Voyeuristic frames of a woman, with more artistic, visceral shots thrown in as well to keep the entire 3:44 captivating.
Keep up with The Ramona Flowers here.
by Aubrey Hanson | Jul 13, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Parker Bossley, a soulful singer from Canada, with many past music experiences such as playing in Hot Hot Heat and The Gay Nineties, recently released the song ‘Chemicals’ on June 14, 2018. This song combines the likes of indie rock music mixed with alternative feels that gives it the right combination for a perfect 2018 summer song. The instrumentals used in this song – such as tambourine and the steady drum beat – give this song a modern, yet classic, style so that it is not set to one specific genre, style, or category. This makes it enjoyable for everyone to listen to.
Admits Parker, “‘Chemicals’ is me writing about my relationships with drugs and love. The hook was spawned in my head on the 3rd day of a festival when the drugs just literally didn’t work anymore.”
Make sure to keep and eye on up and coming music star Parker Bossley for more soulful and modern music along with a new music video for ‘Chemicals’ coming out on July 13th!
by Nikei Green | Jul 13, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
The intro alone struck my attention from the faint sounds of keys jingling, to the massive beats that kicks in. In cues the velvet infused voice of rising new star Parker Matthews. “I’m goin’ crazy, I need you more and more,” were the lines that struck an arrow straight through my heart!
I imagine a beautiful summer evening riding with the top down, and hearing the sensual voice of Parker Matthews drifting through the air. When I played the song out loud the entire listening experience was exposed, along with the unbelievable visual that was attached. The Music Production, was solid throughout the entire track in my opinion, I applaud the gorgeous music execution.
I honestly think “Feelin’ Right” could personally reach several demographics, especially in radio play. I believe urban and pop stations would play this track – a definite crossover sound. One of my favorite parts of the song was the breakdown around minute 3:04 which was clever, yet unique in its own sense. Add a 16 bar from a hot rapper later down the road… Parker’s voice range was unbelievable! And I hope to hear more from him, and possibly a tour feature! Definitely keep your eyes and ears open for Mr. Parker Matthews!!
Keep up with Parker here.
by Gemma Harewood | Jul 12, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
With a number of collaborative features already under her belt, including “Let’s Fly Away” by Ganz and “Make You” by Nicole Millar & Alex Burnett, it’s now time for talented Australian singer/songwriter
Luna May to take the centre stage all by herself.
And that she does with her wonderful, mellow new single “Silly Boys.” Out now as the debut release from new chill-out label Absent Mind, Luna May’s distinctive tone lilts across the track (produced by Matt Sofo); a stripped back, percussive instrumental with splashes of chords to and instrumentation to add texture.
This fantastic release is out now and you can check it here.
Keep up with Luna May here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 11, 2018 | 5 to 7
Johnson City, Tennessee-based self-proclaimed “giggle-pop” trio Achy – comprised of Achy (Samuel B.) (songwriter, composer) and his cohorts Mahto Bowder (bass), and Sam Love (drums) – just unleashed their seven track stunner Friendly Animals unto the world. Laced with a psychedelic, garage rock feel, the trio somehow pulls off a brit-pop soundscape above it all. Each track is refreshing, and honestly something we would enjoy at an outdoor barbecue. (You know… IF the heat ever dies down anywhere close by!)
Feel free to check out Friendly Animals below, and then check out our quick interview with the trio, where we get deep into their production process and – of course – superheroes.
What was your first musical memory, or the first album or song you heard? Do you think that has any bearing on who you are as an artist now?
Samuel: My absolute first musical memory is sitting in the living room of my folks old apartment, and my dad had this little record player set up and was playing Money by Pink Floyd on it. And that memory has always stuck with me super strong. My dad and my mom showing me their music growing up definitely impacted the way I make music though.
Sam Love: My first musical memory that really really made me love music was Pink Floyd. Particularly the Syd Barrett era, which was a more spastic and creative-sounding time for Pink Floyd in my opinion. However Lonesome Crowded West by Modest Mouse was the most influential album on my drum playing.
Mahto: There was always stuff like the Grateful Dead, Augustus Pablo, Bad Brains, Neil Young playing at the house. My folks had a fairly wide taste. My first cd was Help by the Beatles. I feel like the set me up pretty well. I do remember going to see a stage production of beauty and the beast and suddenly being much more interested in the piano at the the house. All that said I’m sure it must be why I act in the way I do now.
What is this self-proclaimed “giggle-pop” genre you’ve come up with on Facebook? Where did that term come from? Don’t necessarily disagree — just SUPER curious.
Samuel: It’s to describe that lil giggle you let out when a pop hook sounds real good. And we found it just online I can’t remember where or who but some beautiful stranger described us with the perfect genre! We also crack a lot of jokes at the live gigs.
Sam Love: Our term “giggle pop” comes from how much fun we having playing and learning music together; I think Samuel and Mahto have great senses of humor and we always make each other laugh in between songs! Although we take the music we make seriously I think it’s important to also have fun with it and they are great fellas to have around for that!
Mahto: I think someone else called us that in a Facebook event. It’s pretty accurate though. We get pretty giggly pretty often.
Friendly Animals is so refreshing and upbeat. We hear it all happened in 2 days. (AMAZING!) Any fun anecdotes?
Samuel: Thank you! It was the most exhausting two days I’ve ever had, we as a group literally rehearsed the songs one day before recording them and a lot of the parts were actually written as we recorded. By the end of recording I couldn’t even redo guitar takes cause my fingers hurt so bad!
Sam Love: The recording process for our EP Friendly Animals was a blast! It’s was a lot of work, but working with Henry of Taped Records in Knoxville was absolutely amazing. He has done a great job setting up an environment where work and productivity explode like a volcano, but in a way that doesn’t stifle the creative process. I feel like it was refreshing for all of us.
Mahto: It was very hot. And very hard on the hands. I thought the improv jam was the most fun though. After spending all day trying to get the songs right, after learning them the day before, it was really nice to be able to turn the brain off and slip into the rhythm off this new thing.
Do any of you have a favorite track from the album, or perhaps a song you prefer to perform live? Why? What makes it something to look forward to for you?
Samuel: Mine would have to be “Breakfast w/ You”, seeing people smile and get excited that we’re playing it just makes me so happy. That or “Telephone P’lease”!
Sam Love: My personal favorite song from Friendly Animals is “Summer Sweater” because I really like how the grooves kind of take on a funkier sound. I always look forward to playing it live!
Mahto: I rather like playing “Telephone P’lease”. It makes me feel like a rockstar.
How do you want fans to feel after listening to the album in its entirety?
Samuel: That they feel like they know us! By the end of the record I’d love it if people felt a little closer to what we’re doing and like they could come up after a show and talk like old friends.
Sam Love: Ideally, after listening to Friendly Animals for the first time, I would like the listeners to feel like they just heard something different in an interesting “fresh” way.
Mahto: I want listeners to feel like Samuel for a minute.
On a broader spectrum, what drives your passion to create music?
Samuel: The people and connections I make everyday doing it, the strongest and funnest connections you can make are when you become besties with another band or artist, that’s true love right there.
Sam Love: I always find myself in and around musical environments, and being able to play music with good friends and musicians like Samuel Bowman and Mahto Browder really helps drive my passion to create music. I also love how music can bring so many different people together, and even serve as a sort-of medicine.
Mahto: It just something I have to do. I think there is something primal that makes people want music.
If you could be any superhero – “existing” or made up – who would you be and why?
Samuel: Definitely Hellboy, coolest hero ever! Also the best graphic novel hands down.
Sam Love: If I could be any superhero, pre-existing or otherwise, I firmly believe I would be Father Captain Doctor Love. The man who, of course, had humble roots in a church eventually becoming a Priest. After seeing the ugly underbelly of religion and understanding religion’s sinister and corrupt nature in his town he quit the church to join the army. He quickly became a Captain, but after seeing the unjust conflicts and unspeakable horrors of war he left to further his academic career and reflect on his experiences. He decided to become a heart surgeon, and graduated at the top of his class successfully becoming a doctor. It was then he learned he could just also read minds and become temporarily invisible for 10-15 minute intervals on Thursdays.
Mahto: Batman. He just does what he wants. No powers or anything.
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Keep up with Achy here.
