by Karina Marquez | Aug 17, 2018 | albums, review
Pop punk is a genre that many of us identify as our first real musical love. It’s the music that blasted in our earphones as we tried to survive eighth grade . And for many of us, that love fades away as our own teenage angst forms into something new, something “mature.” Belmont’s new self-titled album reminds us of that first love and how that music has involved in itself, while still being as cool and emotional and punk.
This album is the epitome of what pop punk music is. Each song showcases the band’s youth and talent. Frontman Taz Johnson’s vocals are hypnotic, and combined with Brian Lada on drums, Sam Patt on guitar, and Alex Wieringa on bass, the end result is magical. The moment the opening track “Empty” bursts to life with an explosion of guitar and drums, I am flooded with nostalgia and the desire to head bang like crazy. As the album goes on, each song seems to give off that same vibe that only this music can give. There are also so many lyrics that stand out because of their depth and honesty. “Interlude” is a slowed-down song that, despite its cool beat, has you thinking instead of head banging:
Do you know what it’s like to be alone?
To live life feeling numb and cold,
It’s a ******* nightmare on its own
And it just gets worse as we grow old.
The second half of the album picks up speed once again, with powerful tracks like “Hollowed Out” and “Convalescence.” As the album comes to an end with “BMC,” Johnson asks the million dollar question: “Why do I pretend to keep caring?” Belmont’s talent is undeniable in both their music and their lyrics, showing the band’s inevitable rise as the next great act.
Keep up with the band here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 17, 2018 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
An eery intro, flooded in reverb. Light percussion, reminiscent of water droplets on a calm, dreary day. That’s the soundscape that’s painted immediately, even before the raspy, robust vocals of Brooklyn-based musician Charles Fauna set in on his single “The Boatman”, which is the lead track off of his Eulogy EP. As if this song didn’t get us jazzed up enough about what’s to come, we actually have the EP in its entirety to share today, as its release day is officially here!
So set yourselves into a mood that is both open and discerning, as we welcome the gorgeous 7-track soundscape that Charles has released unto the world. In his own words:
EULOGY is the culmination of a year’s worth of songwriting across New York’s five boroughs. It tells the story of an individual who witnesses a random, tragic accident and their journey to find peace in impermanence and solace in human connection. It is a record about finding beauty in the darkest corners of our minds and lives. While all songs were written produced and performed by Charles Fauna at his home studio, EULOGY was meticulously crafted by some of Brooklyn’s finest rising producers and engineers. I hope it speaks to you. Love Charles.
Keep up with Charles Fauna here!
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 17, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Out of the artful spaces of Southern California (Santa Barbara, to be exact) comes singer/songwriter Conner Cherland, who specializes in guitar looping and percussion. His soulful, raw vocals only lend themselves to the instrumental talents he possesses in the most entrancing way possible, and his single “The Choices of John Still” off of his upcoming EP Luckily, we have the exclusive premiere of the intriguing lyric video right here.
Gaze at some stunning cartoon art in cool, moody colors as the backdrop to some beautifully touching lyrics below!
Keep up with Conner Cherland here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 16, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Everyone’s favorite indie pop duo Seasaw – expertly comprised of Meg Golz and Eve Wilczewski – is back with another new music video for the entrancing track “God(zilla)”. With insightful, relatable lyrics set to raw guitar, their gorgeous, far-ranging vocals make the song feel like absolute magic. And the music video is nothing less than magic as well, as an actual Godzilla outfit is utilized, and there may or may not be a tiny town to crush. But if we had a trainer teaching us how to be a giant, green, badass, we’d probably feel just as magical as this silly, fun video makes us feel.
Keep up with this fun duo here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 15, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Do you have a love so deep for Michael Shannon that you wait with baited breath for each new release announced with his name attached? Well, we’re on board with you on that one. Good news is that Chicago-based favorite Local H – a prized duo comprised of Scott Lewis and Ryan Harding – has featured him in their most recent music video for “Innocents” released just this week.
Along with the video comes the announcement of their upcoming Pack Up The Cats 20th anniversary tour. So many dates have been arranged in full, that it’s feeling like Christmas all over again!
Tour Dates:
September
2 – Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, Uncasville, CT*
5 – The Sinclair Music Hall, Cambridge, MA
6 – Rough Trade NYC, Brooklyn, NY
7 – Asbury Lane, Asbury Park, NJ
8 – Underground Arts, Philadelphia, PA
10 – Rock and Roll Hotel, Washington DC
11 – Grog Shop, Cleveland Heights, OH
13 – A and R Music Bar, Columbus, OH
14 – The Hi-Fi Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
15 – Majestic Theatre, Madison, WI
16 – Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL
October
4 –Firebird, Saint Louis, MO
5 – Headliners Music Hall, Louisville, KY
6 – Exit/In, Nashville, TN
7 – The Masquerade- Hell Stage, Atlanta, GA
9 – Barracuda, Austin, TX
10 – Club Dada, Dallas, TX
12 – Riot Room, Kansas City, MO
13 – Spicoli’s Grill, Waterloo, IA
14 – Sleeping Village, Chicago, IL
November
2 – Shank Hall, Milwaukee, WI
3 – Amsterdam Bar & Hall, Saint Paul, MN
6 – The Crocodile, Seattle, WA
7 – Doug Fir Lounge, Portland, OR
9 – Harlow’s, Sacramento, CA
10 – Starline Social Club, Oakland, CA
12 – Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood, CA
13 – Marty’s On Newport, Tustin, CA
15 – The Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT
16 – Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO
17 – The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE
18 – Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL
Keep up with Local H here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 15, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Nashville-based, self-proclaimed “dessert rock” collective Lasso Spells – comprised of Brett Dudash, Teddy Nabozny, Eric Melton, and Justin Lock – is really taking their psychedelic take on garage rock to new heights. While new track “Yeah Right” boasts reverb that is perfect for sitting around and chilling with your friends, it has just enough energy to induce some handy footwork as well. Check out the track on Spotify below, and keep your ears open for new music coming down the pipeline from Lasso Spells!
Keep up with Lasso Spells here.
by Gemma Harewood | Aug 14, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
With a sassy but stunning sound, Brooke Williams is making her mark as a singer and songwriter right now. Based in North Hollywood, she has appeared on tracks from the likes of Neo Noir, and is now pushing her own original material. It’s hard not to love the guitar-driven pop stylings of “Nightmare” with its infectious rolling drums and Williams’ very own distinctive vocal hooks. It helps that she brings a tangible level of personality to the table too – this single was written about a situation she found herself in. She says:
I used to hang out with this guy who always described himself as a ‘nightmare.’ Every time I hung out with him, we’d have the craziest, most unexpected adventures. He was the kind of person who pushed your comfort zone and you’d become addicted to the fun and thrill of it. He was spontaneous and could never make his mind up about a girl, let alone anything else. Over time I realized these were all the reasons he called himself a nightmare. I thought it was an interesting word to describe yourself and it stuck with me, which is what inspired this song. I kept thinking to myself “Damn he really IS a nightmare, but it’s one I want to be in.
Keep up with Brooke Williams here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 14, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
On September 10th, Columbus, Ohio-based rock collective The Candescents – comprised of Alex Harris, Alex von Lehmden, Miguel Alfredo Acero III, and Cody von Lehmden – releases their debut EP Riverside Dr. As the next glimpse into the music and what to expect from that title, we’ve got their third track “Back of Your Hand” to share. From the beginning, there’s a raw, party-like atmosphere to the track, intricate lyrics setting a standard amidst the pop/rock sounds. The soundscape makes “Back of Your Hand” the perfect sunsoaked burner, and we’re more than smitten.
Keep up with The Candescents here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 13, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Los Angeles- based indie pop duo Joyeur released “Fast As You Can” on August 9th, and we’re not sure we’ve taken it off loop since then. At this time of year, the fun tends to slow down and the work comes out. School is coming up, a lot of busy seasons at jobs are ramping up, it’s no longer vacation season. But Joyeur provides an escape from all of that. It seems to be a developing pattern that the duo’s hard, cutting attitude, and intricate lyrics stick with you, to say the least. If you keep your ears glued to all notifications of Joyeur’s releases, we have a feeling you won’t possibly regret it.
Keep up with Joyeur here.
