by Kayla Hutton | May 17, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
On May 9th, 2018 Brighton, U.K.’s rising band Thyla – comprised of Millie Duthie, Danny Southwell, Dan Hole, Mitch Duce – released their single “Blame” via B3SCI Records.This female fronted semi-pop/punk/rock band has definitely captured something extremely energetic. “Blame” begins with a steady but loaded enthusiasm. The picking and sound of the guitar is like that of The Cure. With a sprinting verse the chorus kicks down the door and leads the race with the propulsion of a jet engine. The pulse of “Blame” never runs dry providing a positive and motivating driving force. With enough fuel to get through any morning this would be the perfect track to start the days routine to. The kind of song that after hearing you’d walk out the door with an extra oomph in your step ready to take on the world. The punk like attributes are subtle but enough to show a little attitude. Thyla originated some time ago, however after not wanting to be one of those bands you hear potential in, they refocused and held back until they were ready. Ready they are. With only 5 single tracks available, you can’t help but let the anticipation build for a full length album. The vocals are melodic and at times a little bubblegum pop-ish. Never screeching or whining. The music section sounds very in sync and well rehearsed as if they were celebrating the release of a 5th album rather than a 5th single. Thyla has a commercial appeal that isn’t sleazy or trying to cash in on a female singer. They write realistic and catchy hooks leaving the lyrical content open to interpretation based on however it applies to the listeners life. They offer a modern approach, yet deeper into the heart and core of the band you can hear the 80’s alternative influences. For those of you in the U.K. be sure to catch Thyla as they have a couple of shows lined up. The rest of us will sit biting our nails waiting for a full album.
Tour Dates
MAY 12 @ Norwich Arts Centre
MAY 18 @ The Bees Mouth
MAY 19 @ Brighton StMary
MAY 23 @ The BOILERROOM
JUN 26 @ The Castle & Falcon
You can keep up with Thyla on their website or via Facebook.
by Madison Blom | May 17, 2018 | albums, review
For aspiring artist and writer James Alex of Beach Slang – now exploring uncharted territories with his new project Quiet Slang – “Rock and roll is sort of my consolation prize for wanting to have been a writer.” Both of these dreams are fulfilled as he performs all over the world and now hears lyrics, written by his own hand, shouted back to him while performing in front of hundreds of fans. On May 18th, alt-rock project Quiet Slang is set to release its debut, Everything Matters But No One Is Listening, which has earned the attention of an overwhelming amount of fans and critics all throughout the music industry.
Setting aside all of the hype surrounding this new release, there is a wonderful kind of artistry that is woven throughout each track. Each line holds poetic, relevant meaning to anyone who is lucky enough to hear it. Accompanied by the beautiful, hypnotizing rasp of Alex’s voice, the instrumental aspects of this album embrace the minimalistic nuances that are so clearly embodied in the title of this new rock outfit, Quiet Slang. As a wonderful tribute to the roots of this genre, the almost tangible melancholy of this album is wonderfully enticing and cushioned by the powerfully emotive cellos, piano and vocal talent.
In his own words, Alex explains that this group was brought together to convey one attribute: “Tenderness. I suppose that sounds overly simplified. But, still, it makes it no less sincere. Look, I’m trying to soften the world a little bit—there’s worse ways to be remembered.”
Throughout the album, certain themes are easily recognizable, the importance of sound and how silence can be more powerful. Along with this sentiment, each track emotes events and experiences that are relevant to young listeners and things that are often experienced at that age. With so much going for this upcoming group, it is almost impossible to ignore the blatant talent that is found within each verse of lyrical genius which has brought them to where they are now.
Keep your eyes peeled this Friday, and keep up with Quiet Slang here.
by Abby Trapp | May 17, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
“Threw You” is quite the unique track with a team effort featuring three acts from Bronze Whale’s record label Magic Magic. “Threw You,” produced by Poles, is joined by Jet Horns and Soft Jaw. The track is unlike another with a Kyogo-kissed feel, focused vocals, with notes of the piano and a variety of electronic sounds. While “Threw You” starts off slow, Poles surprised me throwing down beats when unexpected, especially while the vocals were so calming. “Threw You” shows the versatility in all three artist’s and their ability to create an experimental piece of art. The way I can most accurately describe “Threw You” is ‘EDM infused Indie hit.’ The song is tantalizing and I could not stop listening once I heard it. You’ll replay it over and over again, I guarantee it.
Follow Poles: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | Spotify
Follow Jet Horns: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | Spotify
Follow Soft Jaw: Soundcloud
by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Skyler Stonestreet, noted songwriter of hits such as Dua Lipa’s “IDGAF” and the Chainsmoker’s “Kanye” has released her own anthem “Bankrupt.” Inspired by her battle and overcome of cancer, “Bankrupt” really touches on leaving the negative emotions in the past. The track hits with as electronic with sounds funky and synth beats. The chorus really touches on the meaning of the song singing “I’m bankrupt emotionally I can’t spend the another moment thinking about you.”
While the song has a somber meaning behind it, you would never know as it plays like a track you can dance to. Skyler brings us the best of both worlds on her well composed “Bankrupt.”
Keep up with Skyler here.
by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
The alternative indie DYAN is back after their latest single “What Fiction Is For,” with a cover of the Jose Gonzalez song “Cycling Trivialities.” The cover anticipates their latest EP Absence. DYAN is simply perfect for the cover which was featured on ABC’s Deception. The band brings an ethereal experience to the cover. The electronic sounds are reminiscent of an unknown journey. Even more, band founder Alexis Marsh does an excellent job on vocals, articulating each word perfect and sweetly especially with emphasis on “When it all come down, cycling trivialities.” The cover does a great job of keeping the listener alert while at the same time keeping the pace of a dreamy lullaby. Listen to Jose Gonzalez’s first and then compare the cover. You’ll see the wonderful spin that DYAN puts in “Cycling Trivialities.”
Keep up with DYAN here.
by Madison Blom | May 16, 2018 | albums, review
After her tour on NBC’s Emmy-award winning show The Voice season 13, Whitney Fenimore has found herself knee deep in a career that is just beginning. Although she has had so much happen in the space in between her tv appearance and the present, the most exciting news is yet to come as she releases her first ever full EP, Battle Within on May 18. Although the EP is scheduled to drop later in the week, we have had the chance to grab a sneak peak and are excited about Fenimore’s unique ability to seamlessly mesh so many genres–from country to folk and rock to pop.
One of the greatest skills that is highlighted by this Ep is Fenimore’s vocal flexibility. Within each individual track there is such a wide array of emotions that listeners pick up on just by the way she emotes each and every note. With each breath, this young artists draws energy and atmosphere into her long, beautiful melodies. Perhaps The Boot said it best when they proclaimed, “powerful, distinct vocals [and] strong melodies.” All three points accurately sums up all of the highlights presented in this wonderfully written and produced EP. Without a doubt, this will accelerate the career track that she has so clearly set for herself.
From being one of the strongest vocal contestants on America’s favorite pass time show to becoming one of the most credible and content reliable musicians of her time, Fenimore has nowhere to go but up as she continues to develop music that is both relevant and utterly breath taking. At age 28-the amount of quality work that we have seen is astounding. As each single on this track is unique and holds a different feel, fans are inclined to continue listening, viewing several different facades of Fenimore with each passing track. Look out for the release of Battle Within, scheduled to drop May 18. Until then check out her latest teaser, “Stones” which will be included on the release.
Battle Within is out May 18th. Keep up with Whitney here.
by Madison Blom | May 16, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Since the announcement of their first full length debut album, the hype surrounding Moorea Masa and her crew has grown exponentially and on May, 11, Shine a Light dropped and has already been named a success. Based in Portland, Oregon, this wonderfully alternative artist has a multi faceted skill set that keeps her music relevant and interesting with each passing track. Growing up in the musical mecca that is Portland, called her attention the the effect that music can have on people and immediately wanted to be part of such a great movement. After taking some time to explore the world and then finally ending back in her beloved hometown, Masa said, “This year I’ve really been digging deep into my history, my own learning lessons, and the state of the world,” she continues. “I feel like I took a light and shined it into all the darkness and beauty that I was previously too scared to look at.”
Bringing all of her soulful vocals to the level that is displayed within each track on this new album was a much needed journey for this talented young artist. Now that she has had the opportunity to work with artists across a wide spectrum of genres, some time to solidify her sound was key in producing this spectacularly bluesy, soulful album. Most of the music that Masa has release has spoken through some of the issues that our society faces today along with love, loss, hidden pain, and the politics of being a woman. With so much of her soul on the line, it is clear that this album is going to be what separates her from other artists in this genre which is going to bring her sound, yet again, to a whole new level.
Follow Moorea Masa & The Mood:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
LA based duo Freedom Fry is excited about their latest song “Cold Blooded Heart.” “Cold Blooded Heart” is the newest single off is their album Classic which will be out on 6/1. Freedom Fry brings a new sound on “Cold Blooded Heart” teetering between the sound of indie, pop, and alternative. The track tells the tale of a heartless uninvolved lover. “Cold blooded heart, yeah that’s how I pegged you from the start,” sings the duo as their voices are blend seamlessly.
My favorite line is, “Seasons change but winter stays, yeah you can make it go away and all you have to do is not give up.” With the sounds of piano, drums and banjo the track makes for a catchy tune with great writing.
Look out for Classic which will release June 1st. Keep up with Freedom Fry here.
by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | albums, review
Oakland based Wax Idols, are happy to release their fourth and latest album on May 16th, Happy Ending. Members if the band include Hether Fortune (vocals, guitar, bass, organ) with Peter Lightning (guitar, bass, organ, piano), Rachel Travers (drums), and Marisa Prietto (bass, backing vocals). Greer McGettrick has recently joined as a bassist. The post-punk band is versatile with Happy Ending, which explores a variety of topics such as philosophy, politics, and relationships.
Streaming on NPR, their song “Scream” is a punk hit. “Scream” touches in the internal conflict we all struggle with. “So I’ll scream…the only love I’ll have,” the band proclaims with its struggle to find love. “Crashing,” an anthem to the struggles life “This life and I never got along…so now I’m crashing hard,” the track testifies. The song keeps a slow and steady beat before rocking out at the chorus “Now I’m crashing hard.” “Mausoleum” remains a unique track. Wax Idols display their punk roots here with whiny female vocals, sounds of a tambourine, and a classic rock sound. “Mausoleum” is a great display is the versatility that Wax Idols brings to the scene.
Wax Idols Tour Dates
6.1 | Red Museum | Sacramento, CA
6.2 | The Holland Project | Reno, NV
6.4 | Neurolux | Boise, ID
6.6 | The Astoria | Vancouver, B.C.
6.7 | Barboza | Seattle, WA
6.8 | Cryptatropa | Olympia, WA
6.9 | Tonic Lounge | Portland, OR
6.15 | Eli’s Mile High Club | Oakland, CA
6.16 | The Hi-Hat | Los Angeles, CA
Keep up with the band
here and look for their album
Happy Ending streaming worldwide now.