by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Apr 6, 2018 | albums, review, wolf tracks
Sarah Shook & the Disarmers are back again after their debut album Sidelong. This year Sarah Shook and the Disarmers are back again with their follow Years. This album shows the groups growth from their previous album and shows the fearless and powerful stance that the group has taken on. Years has an even greater impact than the previous album.
In Years, Sarah Shook shows off her strong vocal delivery. Shook’s powerful vocals match the lyrics that are from her songwriting.
In “Heartache in Hell” Shook’s vocals display the sense of hurt that reflect the emotion of the lyrics in the song. The song has a country tone to it along with “The Bottle Never Lets Me Down”. “The Bottle Never Lets Me Down” shows submerging your emotions in alcohol.
Years takes you through several different emotions. The album tells a story of challenges. Years shows the struggle of having to pick yourself back up after going through challenges. The album is well worth the listen and shows a new transformation of Sarah Shook and the Disarmers.
Keep up with Sarah Shook & The Disarmers here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Apr 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Luke Burr found his love of music through his father’s old soul records. Burr was inspired by several R&B artists which later encouraged him to begin singing and playing the piano. From there, the soul singer began to make his mark in music. This time, he enthralls with his new single “Lights On”.
The track is full of R&B and soulful sounds, which encapsulate Burr’s signature sound. The singer uses his soulful voice to sing about a woman that is very special to him, and how she looks good just the way she is without trying. “Lights On” is full of lifting women up and appreciating them just the way they are no matter how they look. His lyrics are inspiring and empowering. One can only anticipate what the singer has in store in the near future.
Keep up with Luke Burr here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 5, 2018 | show review, snapshot, visual
Following a gloomy week in Kansas City, April 4 brought crisp and clear weather – and a sold-out show by L.A.’s Billie Eilish at recordBar in support of her Where’s My Mind tour. Some of her fans waited for hours in the cold for a chance to be close to their favorite artist. Imperfect Fifth writer Veronica DeFeo and photographer Michael Porter were there to capture the one-of-a-kind evening. Killer performances from openers Reo Cragun and DJ Kiero got the night off to a great start. Reo busted his lip open a few songs in, but he didn’t let that stop him from delivering a fantastic set, much to the delight of the energetic crowd.
Following Reo and Kiero’s set, anticipation was evident as the concert-goers started chanting Billie’s name. In a moment of electric delirium only found at the best of shows, the lights went down and drummer Andrew Marshall and Billie’s brother, Finneas O’Connell, came onstage to an electronic sample of “my boy”, dressed in white coveralls and Billie Eilish kerchiefs. The crowd went insane when Billie came on seconds later, starting off the night with her acclaimed single, “bellyache”. Every voice knew every word, evidencing Billie’s deep connection with her fans. Not skipping a beat, Billie led the crowd into her hauntingly beautiful “idontwannabeyouanymore”, showcasing her velvety vocals. Next up was “watch”, immediately followed by “&burn”, which features Vince Staples on her record, dont smile at me. Billie not only flawlessly sang “watch”, but also took on Vince Staples’ verse from “&burn”.
Billie gave the crowd a chance to fill in some vocals on the next song, “Bored” (which was anything but boring). Fans were eager to give Billie their gifts throughout the set, and Billie expressed her love and gratitude for everyone who came multiple times, letting them know that she would not be where she is without them. Taking a more serious and mature tone, Billie performed an older track, “Six Feet Under”, which displayed not only her vocal talent, but also her lyrical skills. Billie introduced her drummer and brother to the crowd before inviting Finneas to perform his slinky, moody track, “New Girl”. As her producer, co-writer, backing vocalist and guitarist, but most importantly, brother, Finneas is always supportive of Billie, as well as having his own career as lead singer of The Slightlys and starring as Alistair on Glee.
Billie took the stage once again, enthralling the crowd with a unique cover of Drake’s hit song, “Hotline Bling” – on ukulele. In her next song, “party favor”, Billie showcased more of her ukulele skills during the fun track, which also features hitting lyrics. Billie next treated the crowd to an unreleased song, asking them all to be in the moment with her. The track that got Billie discovered, “Ocean Eyes”, was up next, and the crowd got a unique, lighthearted rendition as Billie accidentally bumped a fan with her mic; following this, Billie closed out the song on a stunning note. An electric, flawless performance of fan favorite “my boy” finished her regular set, but Billie wasn’t done yet. After raucous shouts for an encore brought her back onstage, Billie delivered with “hostage” before taking a selfie with the crowd and hugging fans. Billie closed out her show with a rocking performance of “COPYCAT” that did not disappoint. After commanding her fans to get low during the bridge, the crowd went wild with the signal word “sike!”, and the last seconds of the song were unforgettable.
At just sixteen years old, Billie Eilish has accomplished more than many artists dream to at a young age. When she makes up her mind, she gets the job done; despite her youth, Billie knows her craft and how to work a crowd. Her March 4 performance is not one that will be forgotten. Kansas City can’t wait for Billie to come back.
Listen to Billie Eilish
YouTube – Spotify – iTunes
Stay connected with Billie Eilish
Facebook – Website – Instagram – Twitter
**photos by Michael Porter
by Madison Blom | Apr 2, 2018 | review, wolf tracks
From the deepest parts of the Missouri Ozarks, Jodee Lewis grew up surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of the dense, lush forests that surrounded her home. However, within the seclusion of the looming trees, Jodee found herself surrounded by more than just greenery. As she matured, she would later leave the serene setting of her childhood to escape the paina nd abuse that she had endured for so long. In Chicago, she found a new life and love that was deeply rooted in her music. With the heartbreaking experience of her past, she is able to connect on intimate levels with her listeners as she revisits the past and expresses the dark details of the secret she kept inside for so many years.
Hauntingly beautiful with lyrics that will leave you pondering, Jodee Lewis is releasing her new album Buzzard’s Bluff that contains everything that fans of Americana love and look forward to. In the past, Lewis’ sound has been associated with that of other well known artists such as Lee Ann Womack, EmmyLou Harris and Alison Krauss. Not only does her music come with an introspective message that will both inspire and mesmerize, but she has the vocal skills that will draw new and old fans to her.
Buzzard’s Bluff is out on Friday and is available for preorder now. Keep up with Jodee here.
by Abby Trapp | Apr 2, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
L.A. producer /artist Koda just released his latest single “Touch”, which is melancholy, intense, and seeps into your feelings. The song begins with lyrics from Koda stating “We touch ourselves to distant memories/I feel what you felt when you were lying next to me.” His voice is drawn out and breathy giving the song a haunting mood to it. While he track tells the tale of a past love, the whole thing isn’t so bleak. Koda finds hope through the heartbreak on “Touch” proclaiming “Next time I’ll hold you close, I’ll never let you go– I need another dose so you can make me whole again.” “Touch” encompasses all the things that went wrong, but all the things that can go right should you make the decision to go the second time around.
Keep up with Koda here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Mar 30, 2018 | albums, review, wolf tracks
Chicago/L.A.-based four-piece Young Jesus has just put out a brand new record, S/T. Young Jesus is made up of John Rossiter (guitar/vocals), Kern Haug on drums, Marcel Borbon on bass, and Eric Shevrin on keys and vocals. Says Rossister on the sound of Young Jesus: “the ethos is to push each other to express things that are not common– like ideas of love and trust within friendships– through being extremely vulnerable and making mistakes. Hopefully those mistakes become framed as an important and necessary part of process. It’s about communication between four people. Hopefully it is the sound of four very good friends who want to let other people into that space.” Their new album is the culmination of the honing of their sound and an exploration of what it means for Young Jesus to be an indie rock band.
Tracklist:
- Green – the record starts out with a marvelous track, “Green”. From the get-go, it brings the listener into the indie-rock sound that Young Jesus makes their very own.Check out the music video for “Green” here.
- River – you’ll feel like you’re down by the river when you put this one on. Slow, melodic, and composed of a soundscape filled with longing, “River” is a gem.
- Eddy – a longer song that is filled with depth of feeling, “Eddy” reminds the listener of simpler times, and the cloud of bittersweet reminiscence that surrounds every memory
- Under – an emotional, raw track tinged with well-placed acoustic guitar. Rossiter’s vocals hover on the edge of breaking, really bringing the listener in as the the song develops.
- Desert – “every little landscape breaks my heart”, sings Rossiter. This song lends itself to the feelings one associates with places that make and break a person.
- Feeling – while every artist generally strives to capture emotion in their music, Young Jesus actually paints them musically for the listener in this track.
- Storm – closing out the album is the nearly 13 minute track “Storm”. Through the length of the song, Young Jesus is able to bring the listener along for a look into their nature.
Stay connected with Young Jesus:
Twitter – Instagram – Facebook
by Abby Trapp | Mar 29, 2018 | show review
Hip-hop duo Atmosphere returned to Kansas City on Saturday, the 24th at the Voodoo Lounge. Atmosphere was previously in Kansas City three years ago and was thrilled about their return. The duo performed songs from albums such as Fishing Blues, God Loves Ugly, and Lucy Ford. Atmosphere did not have a problem with keeping the crowd hyped, commanding us to “Put your hands up Kansas City.”
The show was so wild, that at one point in the night, an edible was thrown onstage. It was acknowledged, but fittingly thrown back into the audience. Atmosphere even noted that they were working on a new album, and previewed a new song. It was a night filled with energy and excitement, and if you have the chance, catch Atmosphere on tour.
You can find tour dates and more info here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Mar 29, 2018 | albums, review, wolf tracks
Spelles is back with her second EP titled Skeleton Coast, which consists of five songs that define who Spelles is as an artist. The lead single from the album is titled “Dead in the Water”, which is a song with immense emotion and power. It has a pop vibe with a dark sound to it, showing that there is power that lives inside of us that we sometimes cannot recognize.
A favorite from the EP is “Light Me on Fire”, which captures Spelles’ powerful vocals as an artist and shows why she is destined to live out her musical dreams. The song is about staying to support someone instead of leaving them.
Listening to Spelles’ new EP is an absolute joy. After listening to her EP, the anticipation to see where she grows as an artist is exciting.
Keep up with Spelles here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Mar 28, 2018 | albums, review, wolf tracks
D.C. based four-piece Babbling April just self-released a brand new EP titled Holy Gold. Babbling April is made up of Dave New, Vivi Machi, Ben Medina, and Ben Melrod. February of 2015 saw their debut release, On Breath. Now, Babbling April is back better than ever with the release of Holy Gold. With a unique indie sound and always authentic by self-releasing, Babbling April seeks to be truly themselves and bring joy to others through their music.
Tracklist:
- “Reputation”: Reputation seems to be a popular subject these days, and this unapologetic track flips it upside down with the idea that reputation doesn’t actually matter. Need to shake off the haters? Put this song on.
- “Blighted Years”: this track starts off with some excellent instrumentals and an inescapable beat. “Blighted Years” combines harmony, hitting lyrics, and great percussion to tie up a fantastic song.
- “In the Vulgate”: A rocking, quirky track, “In the Vulgate” is an instrumental interlude halfway through the EP that carries the listener into the second half of Holy Gold.
- “If Hearts Really Do Break”: Starting with a foreboding, almost extraterrestrial sound leading into a more gentle and acoustic instrumental track.
- “Without A Care”: Following in the vein of “Reputation”, this track lends itself to a bittersweet sound and some emotional lyrics.
- “Alliances and Rifts (and Separations in the Holy Gold)”: closing out Holy Gold is another instrumental track that has excellent composition and balance of instruments.
Overall, one of the best aspects of Babbling April’s EP is the careful instrumentation and attention to balance.
Holy Gold is available for vinyl preorder now. Keep up with Babbling April here.
