by Meredith Schneider | May 9, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
This month, epic rock band Shinedown released the piano version of their track “Get Up”. The original version of the song was featured on their 2019 album Attention Attention, and was quite remarkable already. The piano version, however, allows the audience the space to truly bask in the lyrics and their meaning. So often we layer intrinsically gorgeous lyrics with heavy instrumentals or a pop beat to mask the reality of the words. Luckily, Shinedown’s original version was done in such a truly beautiful way, that taking out some of the instrumental section hasn’t done any negative to the structure of the track.
If you were ever in doubt
Don’t sell yourself short, you might be bulletproof
Hard to move mountains when you’re paralyzed
But you gotta try
And I’m calling out
Get up, get up
Get a move on
Get up, get up
What’s taking so long
The piano version feels raw, and we’re all the way in.
Keep up with Shinedown here.
by Ian Schneider | May 8, 2019 | albums, review
Goosebumps. The immediate sensation one gets when listening to the intro to Judah and the Lion‘s new album Pep Talks. The aptly named Pep Talks gives the listener a metaphorical punch in the mouth with numerous vocal buildups, booming horns, and a steady building guitar. This is the band’s third album, and it does not disappoint from start to finish.
Big band feels with heartfelt lyrics is how this listener likes to describe Pep Talks. 17 tracks long, Pep Talks boasts features from Kacey Musgraves and Jon Bellion, but the majority of the focus is on Judah and the Lion’s ability to captivate audiences with their pop-alternative style. The constant presence of the variety of strings, and the pounding of drums, just make you want to move. Even as I write this at my desk, my head is consistently bobbing, and my feet are thumping with every single beat. Emotionally stirring, Pep Talks is raw in every sense of the word, putting on display every single talent that Judah and the Lion possesses.
The release of Pep Talks signals the announcement of a worldwide tour from Judah and the Lion. With festival stomps throughout, the band will be touring from May until November. Without a doubt, the songs on this album will be triumphs live, all of them have a live feel even when you are streaming them through a computer. I for one cannot wait to witness Pep Talks live, and I can only hope that Judah and the Lion incorporate the intro track “Pep Talk” into the performance. It gets me amped just thinking about it.
You can keep up with Judah and the Lion on their socials and their website judahandthelion.com.
by Meredith Schneider | May 8, 2019 | premieres, videos
In the mood for a beautifully composed track that carries you on a very interesting plot line in its new accompanying music video? Jake Waitzman’s project Jaco has just released the new video for his song “Blackboard”, and the black and white video is wild, to say the least. Take yourself on a bit of an escapist’s journey below, and let us know what you think on Facebook!
Keep up with Jaco here.
by Meredith Schneider | May 6, 2019 | premieres, videos, wolf tracks
Today, indie-electro duo Ideomotor releases a brilliant new video for their song “One Last Time”, and we have the exclusive premiere available right here! It all begins with a text, igniting a fire in the watcher’s belly about the importance of launching a music video for the new release. Stress almost seems to consume them as they ponder the release. The way to get out of their heads involves a night out, and a beautifully shot music video drenched in deviance and a really good time. Explains director Vesa Salmi:
We did a run and gun production with a hand held camera without much crew or time for that matter. In a lot of occasions we just had to make use of the available light as we didn’t want to compromise the aim of getting the best shots amid the restraints. We wanted to capture authentic moments and at times the guys did not even know that I was shooting. I wanted to portray the band in a natural setting where living in different countries poses everyday problems that they regularly seem to overcome with a solid all for one effort that clearly brings joy to them and their listeners.
Sometimes to get out of your head, you’ve got to let loose. It’s time to let loose with Ideomotor.
Keep up with Ideomotor here.
by Meredith Schneider | May 3, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Last Friday, soulful songstress Emily Chambers debuted her new track “Real Talk”, and we’re absolutely smitten. The lyrics are highly-relatable – I mean, we have all been in relationships we didn’t anticipate – and so stunningly delivered that this is hands-down one of our favorite spring releases. While she croons about that no-good feeling of confusion, we get a look into her ferocity with edgy instrumentals and attitude to match.
Keep up with Emily Chambers here.
by Karina Marquez | May 2, 2019 | videos, wolf tracks
New Orleans-based indie pop band
Royal Teeth manages to meld vulnerability and a catchy beat together in their latest single “Rivalry.” The track highlights the ever-present rivalry between change and constancy — the inner turmoil of deciding whether to move on or not to move on. The lead vocals of Gary Larsen and Nora Patterson, paired with guitarist Thomas Onebane and drummer Josh Hefner, creates a sound that allows the music to take hold of their listeners in an emotional way. The chorus stands out as the perfect example of how
Royal Teeth can show off their own musical style— deeply honest lyrics to a toe-tapping beat so that it gets stuck in your head:
Baby I’m not wasting no more time,
Drag my heart down one too many times,
Hold me steady give me one more try,
I made up my mind, I’m wasting no more time.
Be sure to check out Royal Teeth’s upcoming album Hard Luck, and keep up with them here.
by Meredith Schneider | May 1, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Los Angeles-based indie pop duo slenderbodies brings us a groovy new tune in “dewdrops”, laced effortlessly with their quintessential relaxed sound and ethereal vocals. It seems to go well with the midwest weather this time of year, as April showers seem to be extending into the month of May. But we’re entranced completely by this song, and all about the soundscape that surrounds you when you allow yourself to delve into it.
Wrap yourself in “dewdrops” for a bit, why don’t you?
Keep up with slenderbodies here.
by ImperfectFifth | May 1, 2019 | soundtrack
New York-based electro-pop artist KYOSi recently curated a lavish, kaleidoscope of a soundtrack feature exclusively for Imperfect Fifth, and we’ve got it for you today! Featuring gems by Kid Cudi, Vince Staples, Four Tet, Empress Of, Blood Orange, and more, this playlist boasts some party-essential tracks for the perfect night, no matter what season it is.
Keep up with KYOSi here.
by Meredith Schneider | Apr 29, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Searching near and far for an ethereal soundscape, propelled forward by some of the most magical and fierce vocals you’ve ever experienced? Then SHELLS‘ new track “Mexico” could very well quench that thirst for you. A song that feels warm and embraces you from the get-go, there is also a sense of longing in the lyrics that could open one’s heart up and make it feel something. And that’s what we want – what we need – from music, especially now. So take “Mexico” for a spin, and embrace the reality of your week ahead.
Keep up with Shells here.
