by Meredith Schneider | Dec 28, 2018 | albums, review
As if the cover art weren’t enough to draw you in – HELLOOOOO Earle Rock Studios -, Holy White Hounds‘ sophomore full-length release is absolutely extraordinary. Blending in the signature “eff you” style that they established with 2016’s Sparkle, Sparkle, Say It With Your Mouth is an established alt-rock adventure, with high stakes energy from beginning to end. While first track “Thirsty” insists that “I’m not excited,” the intense lead-in would say otherwise, as “Lucid Kid” establishes an energy that we’re ready to bump from now into the summer months. “Perpetrator” feels like the perfect addition to “Guitar Hero,” catchy as all get out with a visual that will keep your mind reeling.
The quirky name of the project can be found in the lines of “No Teeth”, while “Big Heavy” boasts the perfect sound to be played during an NFL game. (Shameless plug.) While Dean struggles with his perspective in “Trifection”, the attitude continues – complete with a whole different level of percussion – in seventh track “Violence”. This one is a real banger, so make sure to allow plenty of space to move around when you press “play” on it.
Dave Keuning joins in on the fun with “What I Am”, and “Burnt Tongue” speeds things up even more than originally anticipated, guitar licks and a beat that doesn’t just pull you in, but drags you in by your shoelaces – or bootstraps, or whatever gets you going – and does not let go. The drums set the scene for “The Void”, coming in with bass that sets one of those “walking like a badass” vibes for the remainder of the track. (AKA add this to your life soundtrack and when you’ve got to raise that confidence, play it and strut your stuff!)
If you are really paying attention to the lyrics instead of just the mood the soundscape sets for you, you’ll notice a variety of emotions, stemming from personal anecdotes that have been woven throughout the work as a whole. Dean’s vocals drag more of that emotion out of us, highlighting moments of darkness and a questioning mentality while we all learn how to feel through it. “Tracy Free” is one of those introspective tracks that really entices you to think, though the title of its follow-up, “Aids Chimp”, kind of detracts from the weight of the words.
But that’s what we’ve come to respect and love about this band. They can sing about some dark, dark shit and keep this weightless feel to it all, and you can tell that they are a ton of fun live simply from listening to a few lines from Say It With Your Mouth, if you haven’t yet been graced by their live performance tactics. “New Blood” will further enforce the theatrical nature of the band, though they may be the last to admit it. With bits of comedy mixed in with self realization and that clear, gorgeous edge, we’re big fans of this album as a journey, and are stoked you get to hear it from beginning clear through “Thirsty Outro”.
Say It With Your Mouth is available now. Keep up with Holy White Hounds here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 27, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
We made it through the holidays, and for some of us that means winding down a bit. For others, that means revving back up the productivity. (Hello, running a publication!) In either case, Beatrix Sky‘s latest track “Love Drug” is the perfect soundtrack to make the next chapter of your life happen, no matter what you’re going for. With luscious, ethereal layers and the perfect blend of Sky’s brooding vocals, this is one you won’t want to miss. Try it on for size below!
Keep up with Beatrix Sky here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 27, 2018 | albums, review
Songstress Sophie Strauss recently released a new 8-track album filled to the brim with poetic intensity, a sense of self shining through that we have been craving lately. From Americana-tinged “Drive Down Mama” to the pop-infused “Aphids”, through the smooth atmospheric sounds of “Dog Fight”, Strauss’ work maintains an ethereal, playful soundscape that improves the mood of the room, regardless of the title and topic. “Text” gets slow and sensual, while “Sweetboy” contains primal percussion that would make anyone swoon. “I Was” is filled with reverb, a tinny effect that reflects the leading and ending quote.
“Joan of Arc” gets a little more military-feeling with regards to its percussion, apropos to the fact that the song is named after one of the greatest women warriors in known history. Listen closely to the lyrics, as it gets a bit vulnerable and we emerge with our hearts aching, though in a fulfilling and intensely emotional way. Sophie ends the album in “Aphids (Solo)”, a beautiful tribute to a picturesque and incredible memory.
Keep up with Sophie Strauss here.
by Christie McMenamin | Dec 27, 2018 | snapshot, visual
On November 7th, incredible songstress Phoebe Bridgers entertained quite the audience at New York’s Brooklyn Steel venue. Photographer Christie McMenamin got some beautiful shots to share!
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 21, 2018 | soundtrack
We’ve been in the holiday spirit on and off all year, if you’re truly asking me. Every once in a while on a Friday, we have been known to break out into a rendition of a 98 Degrees Christmas song, or to envision the Hanson boys singing “Run Run Rudolph” directly at us. And this year, we wanted to acknowledge and highlight the alternatives to our “classic” options – and the real OG options by Sinatra and the like – so you have something a little bit different, but just as historically magical, to share with your holiday crowds and hordes of friends!
We will continue to update it as we see fit, so check back for more!
Have any holiday track suggestions for us? Share on social media with #imperfectfifth and we might just add your song selections to our soundtrack!
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 21, 2018 | soundtrack
Not everyone loves our monthly soundtrack, because they don’t always flow the way a collection of songs often does. But that’s because we choose the month’s best additions to music, regardless of genre or topic. This collection of tracks is pretty impressive. Normally we experience an industry slow down in December, yielding less releases and more downtime. This year, everything was different. You can witness it in the December 2018 playlist below!
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 21, 2018 | albums, premieres
Even though that one unavoidable holiday is right around the corner, you may have to wait until December 28th to feel like it’s Christmas. That day will yield the official release of Last Crush‘s EP SUPPORT C.E.N.T.E.R. The project – which is the brainchild of Mitchell Todorov (KLOZAPIN) – is synth-led, bursting into glittering cacophonies of sound in many of the tracks, as the vocals fluctuate from 80’s-inspired, to a yelling volume, to absolute scream-o. Displayed vocal range is impressive, each of the six tracks leaving a true impression.
Well, it looks like Christmas came early. You have to wait to add the collection to your music log for a few more days, but we’ve got your first listen in its entirety to celebrate all weekend long.
by emily burke
Keep up with Last Crush here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 20, 2018 | soundtrack
These are the songs that are particularly inspiring to me right now. Kind of all the place, but each of these tracks have found a special spot in my soul.
Keep up with Valentin Marx here.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 19, 2018 | snapshot, visual
On December 10th, talented sister duo Larkin Poe took the stage (by quite some force) at The Garage at Knuckleheads Saloon. We got there early, and were still hard-pressed to find a seat anywhere but along the back wall. Serves us right, for thinking a band so in-demand wouldn’t have an early arriving crowd! Photos below.
