by Madison Blom | May 7, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Coming out of an artistic hibernation, Australian alternative-rock artist AViVA is back with sass and spunk that is both enticing and intriguing. In the past, AViVA has released songs that have made it to the hot new release lists throughout the world. Most notably, her single “GRRRLS” garnered over 24 million streams–a number which continues to grow as this budding artists gains a fan following who’s dedication and enthusiasm strongly resembles the strength and determination of a wild fire. With all of this success behind her, AViVA continues to look forward to the future with the release of her latest single, “BRN”–a wonderful addition to the ever growing playlist that AViVA has been diligently developing since her debut.
“BRN” is a fierce battle cry meant to ward off anyone who dares to put this feisty artist’s back against the wall. With every moment of this incredibly powerful single packed with hooks and driving beats that are just as intense as they are meaningful. As each second passes, listeners find themselves hanging on each word, each beat, and most importantly, each addicting chorus which triumphantly declares, “You’ll find I’m here to stay.” With all of this strong emotion behind her music, there is no doubt that this same spunk inspires her to continue to develop and increase her musical credibility. Soon enough, the world will come to know as she so boldly states that she is “here to stay” with the vocal skill of an artist far beyond her years and the drive to achieve her life long goals.
Keep up with AViVA here.
by Madison Blom | May 4, 2018 | albums, review, wolf tracks
Together, Laura Larson, Corrie Harrigan, and Liz Elton have come together to form the shape shifting and ever evolving minimalistic punk trio Kitten Forever and have just released their fourth and latest album, Semi-Permanent. One of the greatest attractions that this trio can offer is their seamless ability to switch instruments as well as roles mid-performance and deliver a stunningly complex and dynamic show. United by their equal abilities in each area of their performance, it is no wonder that this band has come produce four successful full length albums together. As these three friends continue to develop both their skills and talents, not only will they develop a stronger presence in the punk/pop world, but they will also gain priceless credibility among their peers.
Throughout their track, it is clear that they have clung to their roots as each song is infused with anthemic rhythms, fast and furious beats and melodic tendencies all within two minutes. Each song is laced with powerful drums and exciting bass loops that keep the toes tapping and bodies moving. If nothing else, one thing is clear-it is hard to stay still while listening to such enthusiastic and exciting music. Overall, Kitten Forever has found their niche within the realm of punk that is cleverly mixed with pop sensibilities which enhances and creates a unique sound that is specific to this Minneapolis-based band. Another notable aspect is their incredible ability to mimic the beautiful growl of the base and drums with their voice, truly becoming the third instrument in this tricky trio. This album as a whole explores the juxtaposition of all things with its lyrically dynamic tracks that discuss self-trust in a world of dishonest decay. As this budding group continues to garner success from the general public they prove over and over again that the punk genre is alive and thriving with each beat of the drum and strum of the bass. In a recent review of Semi-Permanent, an author wrote, “Kitten Forever is proof, once again, that punk is in fact not dead.”
Keep up with Kitten Forever here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | May 4, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Tatiana DeMaria of London based rock band TAT is flying solo with the release of her new single “What It Is About You”. DeMaria rose to fame with TAT in 2003 in the UK, but takes time to set herself apart from the group in her new single. Her melodic voice is sweet like honey in parts, raspy and robust in others, making this release endearing as all hell. The power and emotion in her lyrics make the song relatable, and we’re all for this feeling. “What It Is About You” shows off DeMaria’s creativity as an artist.
Keep up with DeMaria here.
**co-written by Meredith Schneider
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | May 4, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Elke – the beautiful moniker for musician Kayla Graninger – has been quite buys preparing for the release of her brand new EP Bad Metaphors. Elke was raised in different cities around the United States, discovering art in different places, until she dropped out of boarding school and moved to New York.
The EP consists of three songs that are inspired by past relationships and the hurt from the breakups that come with that. Each song on the EP sounds different from the other, resplendent in nature. The EP’s lead single “Without The I” is about someone saying “love you” without the “I” in front of it. The song gives the listener enough confidence to walk away from the person they love that does not love them the same.
Each of the songs set Elke apart as an artist, with “Two Lives” being a rock song and “Black and Blue” giving the EP a dark ending. The entire album explores what it is like to start over and the loss of relationships.
Elke’s debut EP “Bad Metaphors” is available now. Keep up with her here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | May 3, 2018 | albums, review, wolf tracks
Rock group Rad Horror is on the brink of success with the recent release of their four track EP Anti-Teenage Sensation Part 1. The collection of quirkily beautiful pop/rock tracks takes you back to that casual, laid back, feeling that we all crave from the 90s. The first track is called “Dark Times”, and is a song that takes you on a journey addressing people who act fake while making you feel like an outcast. Endearing as all hell, it paves the way perfectly for second track “Teenage Love”, which looks at the thin line between love and lust.
The album comes around full circle, touching on a variety of topics with “Stay Out” – which talks about all-too-relatable mind games – and “Only When You’re Lonely”, which seems to bring each topic element of the album together. Anti-Teenage Sensation Part 1 is a future classic at its finest, preparing us all for the ups and downs of summertime love.
Keep up with Rad Horror here.
**co-written by Meredith Schneider
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | May 3, 2018 | albums, review
Virginia-based pop/punk rock artist Corey Pavlosky is ready to claim his time to shine with his debut EP Atlas. The release features six songs that help set the tone of Corey’s artistry. One of the songs on the album is titled “Weathered”, which is a song that is totally put together, with haunting harmonies led by Pavlosky’s voice. The beat of the track, by the way, that is unforgettable. The song is liable to keep the listener interested and holds its own as the last song on the album.
“Better Days”, a personal favorite on the album, shows that even though something bad is going on in your life, better days are soon to come. Each song is completely different from the next, but the differences are what make it even more thrilling. Atlas has the power to pull at your heartstrings as a listener. The album takes you on a journey that you simply do not want to end.
Keep up with Corey here.
**co-written by Meredith Schneider
by Madison Blom | May 3, 2018 | albums, review
Coming from a background that includes a mixed bag of past careers–including children’s book author and fine artist–Scott Mickelson has finally found root in a career in music that suits him perfectly. Since moving from Massachusetts to the Bay area in the 80’s, Mickelson has been known to be seen performing on big name stages such as the Filmore and Great American Music Hall. No small feat for an artist that took a break from the music world after producing five full length releases with his band Fat Opie. Since his return to stage, Mickelson has released one full length album and in now preparing to drop his second on May 4th. This album, A Wondrous Life is a compilation of songs that overall tell the story of everyday life in stark and, at times, uncomfortable detail. “No Such Luck,” a track found on this album is a perfect example of this lifestyle clarity. “We tend to keep ourselves in a state of stress, many times by choice. We seem to take on more than we can comfortably handle, then blame ourselves for not doing it well enough.”
Not only does Mickelson perform some of his finest vocals in this album, but unlike his last album, A Wondrous Life was a solo effort meaning that Mickelson performed all of the instrumental components ranging from drums to horns. With all of the effort that went into producing such a meticulous and intricate album, it is clear that this set of tracks fall among some of the greatest work that Mickelson has every has his hand in. Throughout each individual song, the listener is walked through the reality of several aspects of daily life experiences. Not only does this add the Mickelson’s credibility, but it will also allow his music to maintain relevance over the coming years. Unlike some of the one-hot-wonders of the 00’s, Scott Mickelson has the staying power to be known throughout the ages.
A Wondrous Life is out May 4th.
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by Madison Blom | May 3, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Out with their second ever single is up and coming Chicagoland-based band Golds who are hoping to continue the success garnered from their last single. “Craving” is a creative mesh of several different genres that was inspired by some of the most iconic names of the 90’s such as Michael Jackson and Duran Duran. Not only does this song have lyrical weight that is perfectly juxtaposed by the warmth of the music, but it highlights the vocal strength of the band as a whole. As each note perfectly melts into the next, listeners are completely hypnotized by each passing synth loop and intoxicating heavy hitting drums. Although this band is young and still has so much potential to grow into the spotlight, they have done a fantastic job of producing a single that is well composed and displays a sound that is both stunning and memorable.
Throughout the song, listeners explore the yearning that is so often experienced in daily life–a need that can never be met, water that can never quench the dry thirst of summer. The journey encompasses each carefully crafted verse and every slight change in the direction of the song. Without a doubt, with the release of their new single, Golds will find new opportunities and continue to find success in the career that they love.
Keep up with Golds here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | May 3, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Producer and musician Ukiyo is gearing himself up for a lot of success with his new single “Go”. “Go” features the vocals of Chymes giving the song a blissful tone. Ukiyo adds a blissful vibe to the video that was released for the single.
The video is creative with a kaleidoscopic bringing Ukiyo’s song to life. The video for the song explores adventure and relationships within your life through people, both within yourself and through the people you love.
“Go” is a great song that displays pure creativity. Keep up with Ukiyo here.
