by Kira Cappello | Jul 3, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
For fans of David Guetta, Post Malone, Marshmello.
Get your “Add to Playlist” button ready: The newest summer dance anthem is found in
HighJak’s latest single “Mystical”. Thumping club beats, a heart-stopping EDM bass drop, and a chorus riddled with synth-pop fuse to form
HighJak’s tale of finding love on the dance floor.
The first few bars of “Mystical” start out modestly, with only a curt, electrifying keyboard to signal for more. The track gains traction quickly, layering in a sharp clapping beat. HighJak’s smooth, inviting vocals echo across each other, soulful harmonies repeating key phrases, all aptly filling the space like reverb in a dance hall.
Channeling his inner EDM DJ, HighJak leads us into the chorus with a classic buildup drawn from some older house favorites, not unlike David Guetta. The succeeding thud of the drum machine fill fits so naturally you might miss it the first time, as track glides seamlessly into its peak, launching into the full soundscape of the last-night-on-Earth party scene.
Thematically, this song differs from HighJak’s other work, much of which channels Post Malone and Migos and is closer to rap or hip hop. While trap is in his repertoire, HighJak nails this party favorite – here’s hoping for more like it to come.
Keep up with HighJak here:
by Karina Marquez | Jul 2, 2019 | videos, wolf tracks
Los Angeles-based Meg Myers brings her own colorful spirit to this cover of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” The original version is known for its major success in 1985 and a music video that featured a contemporary dance routine performed by Bush herself. On the other hand, Myers’ version showcases the artistic talents of 2,130 children, and the artwork paired with her distinctly inimitable vocals creates quite an enchanting combination. “Running Up That Hill” is a song that means a lot to many people and Kate Bush is beloved in the world of music. But, in spite of that pressure, Myers manages to stay true to the original as well as produce her own creative vision. It is clear that this song is near and dear to Myers as well, and she embraces that completely.
The video itself is a massive creative feat – it took a chance on over two thousand children to be able to convey the story that the song is trying to tell. The vibrant imagery of a winged Myers flying through space stands out in a way that really showcases childlike wonder and imagination. The amount of work put into the video shows how a fully formed concept can evolve into one of the most beautiful music videos that I have seen in a long time.
Be sure to check out the video, and keep up with Meg Myers here.
by Caitlyn Champ | Jul 2, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
The Fuss, an indie alt band out of Des Moines, Iowa did not disappoint with their new single “Siamese Twin”. This four-man group composed of Matt Nelson, Ben Waldschmitt, Joey Lyons and Dave Palmer is quickly making a name for themselves with their eclectic and energetic sound. Be prepared to feel as if you’re an astronaut floating through outer space with “Siamese Twin”. The eastern tones featured underneath silky smooth lyrics provide for a relaxing, slow-head nodding melody. Good for a drive with friends, chilling on the couch, or blasted over a lake, “Siamese Twin” is a must-have tune for your summer playlist.
For more great music from The Fuss make sure to check them out here.
**photo by alyssa leicht
by Kira Cappello | Jul 1, 2019 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
For fans of AC/DC, Shinedown, Green Day.
Get ready to have your speakers blown out – Deify’s electrifying rock ballad “Outta My League” is meant to be played at full volume, preferably while flooring it down a deserted highway. Deify, borne out of Seattle and comprised of brothers Duncan and Jared Byargeon, draw influence from 80’s stadium rock classics such as AC/DC, most notably in bluesy chord progressions and compressed drum fills. Blasting through fervent guitar solos and a snare that refuses to quit, this track is friend to headbangers and country-rockers alike.
While its gritty, boot-stomping vigor may seem well suited for your local dive, lyrically, the song is textbook pop. The chorus professes: “You’re the one…that I need, you’re the only person for me, here’s my heart, take the key”. The second half of the song brings with it a much-appreciated rattle of dynamic, as a wailing guitar solo increases in intensity before giving way into a mathy drum fill, before sending off into one final chorus.
Explains Duncan of the track:
Outta My League is a sonic mashup of our love for AC/DC and ZZ Ward. In college, I was going out with a woman that my friends dubbed way out of my league – and they liked to remind me as much as possible. As much fun as the jokes were, that’s something that really began to eat at me, and that insecurity certainly impacted the relationships for the worse.
This song explores the back-and-forth in my head, as I was head-over-heels for this woman, but “knew” deep down that I wasn’t good enough for her. Letting doubt into any relationship is the ultimate killer – and I knew once I felt this way it wasn’t going to last. However, I also couldn’t bear the thought of being the one to end it. So, this song is about the elation of the pursuit, while knowing the relationship was doomed from the start.
This single is the group’s newest work since their latest EP, five track compilation titled So Far Away. Deify will be touring through the West Coast Starting in August, beginning in Seattle.
Keep up with Deify here: https://www.deifymusic.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/deifymusic/ | https://www.instagram.com/deifymusic/ | https://twitter.com/deifymusic?s=17
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 25, 2019 | premieres, videos
Psychedelic-laced rock band King Ropes releases their latest video today for their enigmatic track “California Stars” from Gravity and Friction, and we’ve got the exclusive premiere. Created by Keith Martinez and Dave Hollier, the video utilizes a large portion of found footage. It’s an exquisite reel, and we’re impressed with the quality of the footage, so many years after it was shot. Take a peek below!
CALIFORNIA STARS
clark flipped his hayrig into the river
lucinda singing trying to save his soul
i did some time there in the devil’s half acre
lucinda singing trying to save my soul
now i can’t shake the feeling i’m running out of time
i can’t shake the feeling i’m running out of time
becky left brooklyn a three time loser
setting her sights on those california stars
she got hung up here in the bitteroot valley
gave not one more thought to those california stars
those california stars they shine and shine
those california stars they shine and shine
becky’s still standing here in wild eyed wonder
at the land and the water and wide open skies
and all of the wrong turns that finally brought her here
to clark who left his mark on pipeorgan bridge
i can’t shake the feeling i’m running out of time
i can’t shake the feeling i’m running out of time
i can’t shake the feeling i’m running out of time
those california stars were yours
those california stars were yours
those california stars were yours and mine
Keep up with King Ropes here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 24, 2019 | singles, videos, wolf tracks
Last week, indie musician Skela released a music video alongside her track titled “Elvis”. With soft light and a gorgeous color palette, the video leads us on a journey with the singer, through sprawling landscapes and simple, natural backdrops. Her dusty, captivating vocals lead the track, allowing a visual moment for the viewer/listener to breathe deeply, and truly enjoy the coming of summer.
Check it out below.
Keep up with Skela here.
by Kira Cappello | Jun 21, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
For fans of: Young the Giant, COIN, St. Motel, Phoenix, The Wombats
On their newest single “Rhythm & Gold”, Paper Lions shows off some of their finest indie-pop skills: that ability to implant a radiant summer’s day right into your speakers. With a thumping bass line that’s sure to increase your heart rate, the Canadian four-piece tell a tale of the electricity of falling in love with playing music – as well as dealing with the trials and tribulations that come with life as a touring band. The song’s unblemished cheeriness never falters, as call-and-response vocals and upbeat hand-claps encourage the listener to join in with every beat of the chorus.
“Rhythm & Gold” not only supplies the glitteriest aspects of indie pop sweetness, it also gives some insight to the group’s journey in working together to make it in the music world. Vocalist John MacPhee reaches out to his bandmates with reassurance in the resounding chorus: “This is where I wanna stay, where we started loving rock and roll,” referencing their roots that trace back to the early 2000’s. Originally formed in 2004 under the Chucky Danger Band, the quartet (brothers John MacPhee and Rob MacPhee, Colin Buchanan and David Cyrus MacDonald) began going as Paper Lions officially in 2008. They have since been nominated for 8 music awards, and won an Independent Music Award for their 2012 EP At Long Creek. Aside from a Christmas tune titled “Where Is My Love For Christmas”, this new track is the band’s first release since their most recently debuted album, titled At Long Creek II (2018). Here’s to a summer full of “Rhythm & Gold”!
Keep up with Paper Lions here.
by Kira Cappello | Jun 18, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
For fans of: Post Malone, Khalid, Russ
Holdan’s newest single “Bright Red” is a perfect addition to your “nighttime driving” playlist: The blend of dreamy Khalid-esque vocals and pop lyric motifs encapsulate the notion of gliding only on the surface; perhaps in a superficial conversation at a party like the ones in the first few seconds of the track, or while coasting along familiar highways. A punk kid at heart but no stranger to experimentation,
Holdan implements features of hip hop and pop alike, drawing influence from smooth Atlanta trap beats alongside lyrical themes of feeling like an outsider from an “in-crowd”. These feelings, shown in the setup to the chorus, are confidently declared: “People take issue…with the things that I say…they all say ‘stop’.” This track is an example of
Holdan’s ability to assert his unique perspective and withdraw from a scene he does not find compatibility with, all while never disrupting the track’s mellow vibe. Shortly before releasing “Bright Red”,
Holdan dropped another single “Foggy Lake”. Both are available to stream now!
Keep up with Holdan
here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 18, 2019 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
Portland-based three piece Rum River Cult – comprised of Sarah Parson, Jed Overly, and Colin Ringkamp – is giving us a run for our money with their new single “Strangers Now”. We’ve got the exclusive premiere, and this smoky, fun, gorgeous sonic landscape is something you do not want to pass up on. As an edgy guitar riff sets in, Parson’s reverb-filled vocals make an impact. The song explodes into a beautiful, psychedelic journey that will almost intrinsically force you to dance. So get those moves ready, and check it out now!
Rum River Cult will play the Davis Music Festival this weekend. “Strangers Now” will hit all streaming platforms June 19th. Keep up with Rum River Cult here.
