by Meredith Schneider | Jul 17, 2020 | albums, review
The masterful work of artist Thomas Arndt has been unleashed upon us with the new album from his solo project, Another Magic. The twelve-track release – Sunderwater/Underwater Sun – dropped today, and we know you will be enveloped in a unique atmosphere from start to finish. With percussion-driven initial tracks “Sites * Bones/Free” and “Breaking Promises,” we get a sense of the transformation Arndt went through while connecting with this project. All we want to do is dance and feel and breathe. “(Gone)” presents itself as a slowdown, notable for the saxophone and melancholy feel. “Set It Off” brings the pace back up, a track we can see being played at your next (socially distanced) outdoor barbecue event. (It’s so good, right?)
The rhythm and the introspective lyrics in “Want to Feel” make this one of the most relatable songs on the release. As Arndt sings of wanting these things, this sense of humanity cascades around you with the music. At a time when everyone is trying to be better and to feel in different ways, this track speaks to us. “Can the Body” takes a slower pace again, a more meandering track that leads beautifully into “Not Loud Enough.” It is at this point that the structure of the tracks comes alive because you can see how Sunderwater/Underwater Sun plays with pace and layers to present a robust audio adventure.
And just like that, “Ocean Goes” offers a reprieve from the cacophony of instrumentals in its predecessor, incorporating sounds that add a sense of tranquility to the atmosphere. It still feels quirky, almost imbalanced, but done so in such an intentional way that we can do nothing but appreciate the humanity in it. “Here (Like Love)” and “Stolen” maintain similar ambiance, whereas “Lost in the Future” takes on an almost Andrew McMahon-feel to parts of it, examining more than just the present moment in its lyrics. “Show for It” rounds everything out quite nicely, once again bringing us back to relatable lyrics, a slower – more calculated – pace, and existentialism laced throughout.
Don’t take our word for it. Take the album for a test drive. Let us know what you think.
by Katy Mombourquette | Jul 15, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
The illustrious Tayla Parx is gracing the world once again with a video for her recent single “Dance Alone.” Parx has an extensive collection of achievements under her belt: Grammy nominations for her work on Ariana Grande’s hits “thank u, next,” “7 Rings” and “My Everything”, Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer, Christina Aguilera’s “Like I Do” featuring GoldLink, The Internet’s “Ego Death” and Hairspray; guest performances on Lizzo and Anderson .Paak’s tours, and the establishment of a songwriting camp called “Burnout.” She was born in Dallas where she trained with the legendary choreographer Debbie Allen. After sharpening her skills in LA, Parx released her mixtape TaylaMade in 2017, which now has over 25 million streams. By the time she released her debut album We Need To Talk in 2019, she had already become the first female songwriter to have three simultaneous top 10 songs in the Billboard Hot 100 since 2014: “7 Sings”, “thank u, next”, and Panic! At The Disco’s “High Hopes.” We Need To Talk itself was lauded by critics from The New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, and more. The album held characteristics that we also hear in “Dance Alone”: playfulness, a conversational tone, the blend of pop, R&B, and traces of rap, and high notes not unlike those of Grande herself. Parx is a creative powerhouse, already gearing up to release her new album Coping Mechanisms later this year.
The video for “Dance Alone” ties in with the concept of coping mechanisms as well. To cope with quarantine and social isolation, Parx offers a breezy video of her dancing at home in her pajamas. She says “We need human connection, but at least when you’re home dancing in your pajamas while blasting your favorite song, you feel a little less alone.” The video is captivating, drawing you in with an adorable dog shot at the beginning, then keeping your attention as you watch Parx move through her home in elegant pajamas, bathed in dreamlike purple and blue light. Her smooth and carefree moves put a smile on your face. The music is made up of funky bass, guitar, and drums and provides an infectious groove for her to dance to. But instead of the music being simply a foundation for her to maneuver upon, the two feel more like distinct equals, like they are keeping each other company. Parx’s vocals are spectacular as well. She attacks her high notes precisely and deftly, with no need to prepare. They are like little gems that give the track an extra sense of enchantment.
“Dance Alone” is sure to have you dancing the quarantine blues away in no time. Get your dose of sunshine here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 14, 2020 | singles, soundtrack
I don’t know how it happens, but every month I am more and more impressed by the talent that ends up in my inbox. In fact, since I’ve been largely holed up in the apartment since March, I look forward to diving into said inbox more often and even scrolling through Spotify to find new sounds. With the lack of chatter around me, less driving music, and experiencing new music by happenstance in everyday situations, it has been easier to really curate my environment and create an ambiance. And it feels like all of the new music coming out is insightful, artful, and speaks to my soul.
This month, our soundtrack is stacked. And don’t expect that to slow down. Hunker down for newbies from Lotus, Madison Olds, Baker Grace, KNIFEY, Dream Nails, Kaisha, Digital Monx, Racquel Jones, Koe Wetzel, Gold May, Gabrielle Current, HARLOE, and more!
Check back all month long for some of the most random and gorgeous new music selections you’ve ever heard!
by Katy Mombourquette | Jul 14, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
Jenny March, a Los Angeles based rising singer/songwriter, has released her first single off her forthcoming EP: “November Nights.” This moody track and accompanying music video are inspired by a past relationship, one that maybe wasn’t very healthy but the longing for love and validation made it addicting nonetheless. “November Nights” has March’s signature personal and electrifying sound that empowers girls to have fun. Whether that means going out and partying or anything else that they enjoy, March’s music encourages them to go for it, regardless of what other people think.
The music video is a picture of glamour. March’s several stylish outfits, her dazzling “BABE” choker, and the flashing lights and nighttime setting all point to the partying atmosphere that she unapologetically enjoys. But the inky night that pervades through every shot also reveals some darker undertones, reminding us of the compulsive relationship which “November Nights” was inspired by. From a musical perspective, this song is minimalistic pop that exudes feminine power. There is only an inkling of background music, but this music lays the groundwork for March’s voice and lyrics to really shine. Her lyrics affirm her self-proclaimed reputation as an “open-book” artist, dealing with this deep topic in an approachable way, writing lyrics as though she’s texting.
Watch the video for “November Nights” here, and be sure to check out March’s non-musical endeavors as well! In her weekly Instagram live show “Wednesday Sessions,” March brings in an artist to perform and engage with. She will also be a social ambassador for Rihanna’s SAVAGExFENTY line, giving her an opportunity to combine her love of music with her obviously stellar fashion sense that we see in the “November Nights” music video. She certainly is on the rise, and you’ll want to catch her on her way up.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 13, 2020 | albums, review
Close your eyes and press play. The lush, tranquil sounds that burst forth from your speakers make it feel like there is another layer to your reality. And that is all before the smooth-as-honey vocals cut in, compliments of Los Angeles-based songwriter & producer RYTERBAND. In a world where everyone’s timelines seem to be upside-down and inside-out, this is the type of music we need. Songs like “Stay Awake” have the propensity to offer an escape, as well as a reminder on how to handle yourself in your current atmosphere.
As his debut offering, Undefended boasts catchy hooks, a vibrant disposition, and twinkling after-effects. Lines like “You move like dust in the sunlight” – found at the beginning of second track “Brilliant Eyes” – are absolutely drenched in poeticism. But delve into how RYTERBAND plays with dissonance in “Lighthouse,” and I dare you not to be moved to tears.
Take a dive into any one of these tracks. The layers that exist, the way the sound seems to encapsulate you and carry you around on its back. There’s something primal somehow entrenched within this electro-infused set of tracks that tugs at you, something that makes it clear that if this is just the beginning, there is simply more intrinsic beauty to come from this talented musician.
by Leigha Stuiso | Jul 13, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Sometimes we face challenges in life and these struggles tend to be portrayed negatively or stereotyped. Artist Dan Croll is no stranger to the feeling and is upfront about how mental health has affected his life, showing the struggles he has faced. “Hit Your Limit” emphasizes the need for each of us to offer empathy to anyone who has run out steam. Now, artists are more open about their struggles, but not many tend to tackle these issues in their songs like Croll does. Not only does he give us these songs, but he has a Dial Dan line which provides an outlet for those who need help easing the pressures of loneliness. Embracing his emotions has created such a positive environment for not only him but for a whole community of people.
Croll’s soothing voice makes for easy listening, in addition to the light instrumentals. The track sounds like it could be a part of a coming of age movie when the main character is reaching their breaking point. “Everyone succumbs, everyone’s got their point/everybody bends and breaks/believe me when I say it’s as clear as night and day / you’ve hit your limit” These personal, yet encouraging lyrics are meant to calm people’s fears. Everyone needs this reassurance, especially in a time like the one we are in right now.
by Katy Mombourquette | Jul 13, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Cincinnati, 2003. “Heartless Bastards” was incorrectly answered when a multiple-choice trivia game question asked, “What is the name of Tom Petty’s backing band?” From this amusing origin Erika Wennerstrom’s band “Heartless Bastards” was born. It began as a recording project but eventually evolved into a live band backed by a revolving collection of musicians. After playing regularly in the Midwest, Heartless Bastards got into the game when Patrick Carney of the Black Keys was taken with the band and passed on their demo to his label at the time, Fat Possum Records. By 2009 David Colvin, Jesse Ebaugh, and Mark Nathan had joined on drums, bass, and guitar to complete the group. Between 2009 and 2015 the 4-piece recorded several critically acclaimed albums, but for the last 5 years, fans have been craving something new. Well, some good news: the wait is finally over! Heartless Bastards are back in the studio to record an album featuring the same tried and true musicality that their fans have come to know and love: Wennerstrom’s paradoxical vocals that simultaneously exist in the planes of sweetness and intimacy but also grit and depth, and the band’s smoky blues sound.
Wennerstroms describes “Revolution” as a lesson in self-love and how it’s the key to a more tolerant society. She believes that humanity needs to learn how to be satisfied with less and to stop needing to feel like they’re better than others in order to validate themselves. For her, “Revolution” is both a mantra and a reminder for herself to avoid playing the commercialism-driven game and to focus on connecting and helping people rather than “beating” them at this game. She states “Dave Chapelle said at a show years ago “Poverty is a state of mind.” That really stuck with me. I was in the Amazon several years ago, and it struck me how little people had materially, and children were running around and they all seemed so happy. Aside from the basic necessities of sustaining our lives I think giving and receiving love is really what we need the most. All the rest is just a bunch of noise.”
“Revolution”, however, is anything but noise. It begins with a soft acoustic guitar that rivals the passionate title. Then it builds steadily, layering heavy guitar and marching band-like drums under Wennerstrom’s unique vocals that remind one of Colin Meloy (The Decemberists). It continues on like this until it revolts into this classic blues-rock song decorated with short guitar licks. The chorus’ recurrent phrase “the Revolution is in your mind” recalls the quote from Chapelle, “Poverty is a state of mind,” perhaps nodding to its sentiment. This is a song that is immediately gratifying on the first listen, but if you dig a little deeper there’s a whole lot of insight to be found.
The track is out on Bandcamp, and a portion of the proceeds will be going to the ACLU in support of civil rights. Listen here!
by Katy Mombourquette | Jul 10, 2020 | albums, review
Here to write anthems for future generations, multi-instrumentalist Michael Desmond inspires the people of the world to march to the beat of their own drum with his forthcoming EP Local Nomad. The EP is part of Desmond’s project, also called Local Nomad. He gives insight into the dichotomous name by saying “Local Nomad is the resistance of sedentary life. It’s about seeking the strange and embracing the unknown. Wondering. Wandering. Young and Old. Everywhere and Nowhere.” Desmond plays every instrument on the EP excluding drums. He draws from a variety of sources including Tears for Fears, Elvis Costello, and Phil Collins to produce a fusion of indie-pop and alt-rock with soulful vocals, heavenly synths, and lustrous drum beats. Originally from Long Island, NY, Desmond began his career as the frontman of the orchestral indie rock band Gabriel the Marine. The band found success and performed with bands like Taking Back Sunday, Glassjaw, Mew, Jacks Mannequin, and The Dear Hunter. However, after going through a period of rapid change in which he graduated from college, ended a long term relationship, and watched a family member tragically pass away, Desmond’s mind was racing a mile a minute. The only way he could slow things down was to write, and thus Local Nomad was born as a snapshot of life during this unstable time.
While Local Nomad is worth listening to for Desmond’s expert and fascinating use of instruments to create an array of idiosyncrasies within each track, there are also captivating overarching qualities that will intrigue even those who might want to listen passively.
The anger-fueled opening bop “Love is Gone” and rueful “Young Vampires” are “explosion” songs. “Love is Gone” keeps things chill with an alluringly groovy bassline in the verses, before erupting into sound in the chorus. It’s vocal line is compelling and surprising, you find yourself listening intensely to see what will come next. “Young Vampires” is about a toxic relationship, turning each other into vampires– monsters. It displays wistful guitar in the verses but also has a sonic explosion in the chorus.
“Gates” and “Getting Old is a Bitch” are more self-contained, but each have a quiet, yet powerful energy. The contagious beat in the chorus of “Gates” leaves you no choice but to jam along. All of the instrument parts in “Getting Old is a Bitch” are pertinent to the feeling of getting old. It also has a dominant bass beat and riff that hits you hard, much like growing up does. The “do-do-do”’s in the background almost sound like they’re taunting each of the melancholic main lines. Turmoil and instability in the distorted guitar solo reflects how it feels as the world seems to be moving on without you.
Finally, we have those songs that “clash,” although their conflicting elements end up working to their advantage. “Gates” elevates the sound to a celestial sphere with ethereal synths, but at the same time, the hearty guitar brings things back down, adding a wholesome, down-to-earth quality. A great guitar riff comes in towards the end, but it has that heavy rock sound to it, providing a deep contrast with the synth. The clash in “Summertime”, on the other hand, comes from the happy-go-lucky synth harmonies set against the wistfulness of days gone by in the lyrics. It’s about young adults trying to keep up with life and thinking back on the naivety of their youth. With the beat, sunny harmonies, and fluttering synths, you find yourself thrown back into a summer from years ago, tinged with nostalgia and regret. These tracks are dichotomies, much like the name Local Nomad itself, and the crunch between their conflicting qualities make them ever-so satisfying to listen to.
There’s a lot of potential in Local Nomad to discover more unique elements in the tracks, but no matter what you’re guaranteed to hear some anthems with great beats, full, well-rounded choruses, and colourful instrumentation. The EP will be released on July 10, 2020, but some of the singles are available to stream now!
by Leigha Stuiso | Jul 10, 2020 | albums, review
Rapper ToBy is back with his new six track EP, THE OUTSIDE. ToBy incorporates daydreamy lo-fi beats mixed with booming trap sounds, similar to the likes of Travis Scott, in this release. He is not afraid to dive into his personal life and create something completely true to his style. He explains, “It achieves unity through specificity … In the hope that my life and my interests resonate with the next artistic soul or creative pundit trapped inside the every-man; yearning to escape, yearning to taste life’s cool breath, yearning to finally go outside.”
Inspired by Frank Ocean’s “Pyramids”, “Osiris” dives straight into the EP and ToBy’s style.
With a natural soundscape, the rapper’s flow fits perfectly and complements the different sounds. The track chronicles the mythic tale of betrayal and murder of the Egyptian god at the hand of his own brother. Meanwhile, his track “New Car” deals with freedom and yearning. The flow is more relaxed here, where his voice floats through the song. In an attempt to escape monotony, he comes out strong with the productions and vocals in this track.
Coming from dangerous upbringings can be a struggle, but if you do take on success, there is a psychological toll it can have. “Southside” is a think-piece about all of this, tackling issues that typically aren’t covered in music. But, in “Play Out,” ToBy’s single off the EP, he glorifies all things that come with the high life. Whether it is sex or money, he praises the fun lifestyle. With a constant flow and a well-rounded beat, ToBy has a hit on his hands. “Cascades” has a similar sound that you might hear from Rex Orange County, showing his versatility. It feels intimate and poetic, a switch up from some of the other tracks on the EP. Finally, “Wishes” is a solid choice to end the collection. Written and recorded on his 26th birthday, ToBy opens up about death and the fears he has relating to it. When you open up like this, there is nothing anyone can have, but respect for honesty. His thoughts may be in the clouds, but he brought his a-game here.
Blending tranquility, chaos and dystopia, ToBy has created his best collection yet. Dealing with a mix of emotions and other feelings, his tracks contain many different layers. Take a look into his life by giving this album some of your time. Take a walk outdoors.
