by Meredith Schneider | Jun 5, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Our world is so fast-paced and upbeat nowadays, that it can feel impossible to escape the craziness. Let yourself do that with San Diego-born Jean Dawson‘s new track “Bull Fighter”. Beginning at a leisurely pace, Dawson will first make you fall in love with his raspy vocals, before breaking out into a more abrasive set of lyrics. But it’s the raw truth that he brings to light that makes the song that much more appealing, causing blood to pump through your veins faster with every line despite its slower pace.
Perhaps his truth will set you free, perhaps not. But either way this 22-year-old is one to watch.
Keep your eyes peeled for his 9-track release Bad Sports, due out this summer. More info can be found here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 5, 2018 | albums, review
Kara Grainger may have had more humble beginnings in Australia, but her world travels and body of work speaks to a dozen lifetimes of success. All of her musical influences and inspiration have culminated in her latest 9-track body of work, her full-length Living With Your Ghost that dropped on June 1st. Full of robust harmonies, rock-tinged guitar, and a whole lot of twang, this album has so much attitude that it could give Carrie Underwood a run for her money. (Though we in no way are referring to any of this beaut as “pop music.”)
Not only is her soulful attitude palpable with each track, but the lyrics are something to grasp onto, making Grainger accessible and relatable in the best ways. Personal favorites include “Man Without Soul” and “Broken Record”, but we’re sure most of this album will be the soundtrack to your late night, summertime pool games all season.
Living With Your Ghost is available now. Keep up with Grainger here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 4, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Chicago-based rock/lo-fi band Clearance recently released their brand new music video for new track “Had a Fantastic”, and we’re totally digging it. This is the first video released from their upcoming full-length release At Your Leisure. Visually pleasing – with a bit of that vintage feel to the muted colors -, the video displays the band playing in a largely empty room. Greenery appeals to the plant lady demographic of today, with the band singing matter of fact lyrics and drawing you into their esthetic little by little.
“Had a Fantastic” does not disappoint. So grab your disposable camera and let’s get going!
At Your Leisure is out July 27th and is available for preorder now.
by Abby Trapp | Jun 4, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
At the young age thirteen, solo artist Akine wrote her notable single “Pray For The Prey”. Four years later, she is sharing her song “Pray For The Prey” with the world. “Pray For The Prey” incorporates a number of genres taking inspiration from tribal beats, syncopated electronic sounds, and alternative pop. What is so impressive about this track is how mature and riveting the lyrics are for someone so young. Unsure of the world and what is next for it, Akine uses powerful writing to express her feelings of exasperation. “Tell him you love him, he’ll shield you from every thing,” Akine sings on a higher power. “And we pray and we pray into this foolish masquerade,” proclaims the chorus. Continuing her cry, “You think you’re blessed and best because of God.”
“Pray For The Prey” is Akine’s battle cry for humanity, the foolish, and the ignorant. Her message will strike a chord with many, whether it is a positive or negative one. The message alone is telling, but Akine’s divergent and compelling voice really brings the song home.
Keep up with Akine on Facebook and Instagram.
by Gemma Harewood | Jun 4, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Sounding special right now over on CloudKid is the first single release on the label from singer, songwriter and musician JT Roach. Originally from Madison, this talented artist has carved out “Lazy Kisses,” and it is ready to soak up and stream below.
With some huge commercial names having previously been written for by JT Roach, he now focuses his attention to his own material, and there is an album allegedly on the way. “Lazy Kisses” is everything we want to hear in our summer chill playlists: smooth, dreamy vocals, flickers of acoustic guitar and beautifully-rounded musicality.
Give it a play on the stream below.
Keep up with JT Roach here.
by Kayla Hutton | Jun 4, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Founded in 2013, this up and coming L.A. alternative indie rock band Goon is celebrating their recent singing to Partisan Records. Success is coming quickly for these guys and the reason why is easy to grasp. Their latest single “Choke Throat” plays like a soundtrack to a suspended gaze to the skies. Vocalist Kenny Becker has said the song revolves around a surgery to correct a sinus condition and the after effects that followed. A feeling of throat closure led to what we get to hear as “Choke Throat”.
Starting out with an acoustic sway “Choke Throat” is joined by vocals that echo down a long hall and drone with melancholic subtleties. What has started as sad converts into eerie as sounds in reverse are inserted and a percussive sound picks up the pace and ads texture. The gentle abstract sway also features a touch of saxophone that progressively rises from the distance and takes center stage. If joined by an orchestra the song would have taken the direction of cinematic, the use of the saxophone takes the mood to a jazz induced eye opener. If I hadn’t told you what the song was about, the music alone would make it sound like a more introspective moment about the pondering of life. “Choke Throat” is one of those songs that can be interpreted in many different ways. A benefit of this is that it will affect many people as they will take what they need from it. When the chorus section becomes more full and robust the song doesn’t seem so sad. It feels like the light at the end of the tunnel.
Partisan will be re-printing Goons two self-released E.P.’s Dusk of Punk and Happy Omen, pre-orders are being taken now and are set to ship out July 13th. You can secure your copy, which will also feature “Choke Throat”, through the band’s Bandcamp page and more order details can be found on their website. Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook.
If you happen to reside in one the town Goon will be touring, defiantly grab some tickets as they are one of the few “must see” bands that are rising fast. This could be a rare opportunity to see them in a smaller environment before they end up arena giants.
July 13th – Brooklyn, NY
July 15th – Washington, DC
July 16th – Richmond, VA
Jul 21st – Dallas, TX
by Karina Marquez | Jun 4, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
After their fresh and nuanced first album, the indie-rock trio Bad Bad Hats are back with “Write It On Your Heart,” the lead single from their sophomore album Lightning Round, which is set to be released on August 3. Frontwoman Kerry Alexander delivers a sucker punch of a song. She pairs her pure vocals with defiant, edgy lyrics about the end of a relationship:
“Love was growing teeth
You were spitting blood
Write it on your heart, dear
You were never mine.”
The lyrics hold a personal significance for Alexander. “I haven’t always stood up for myself in situations like this,” she shared. “So this song is an ode to the version of me that does.” The lyrics’ realistic grittiness paired with the song’s softer instrumental tones from Chris Hoge and Connor Davison embodies the band’s sound – a balance of hard and soft, of pop and rock, of simplicity and complexity. “Write It On Your Heart” is a single that showcases their sound as well as their personality in an honest way. This is surely something we will see in Lightning Round, resulting in a new album that is bound to inspire and surprise their listeners.
Be sure to check out on their website for updates, and catch them on their summer tour.
by Abby Trapp | Jun 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Following up on their debut EP For The Light, alternative duo Foreign Air just released their latest single “Loud Magic.” The duo has toured with the likes of Phantogram, BORNS, X Ambassadors, and currently Bishop Briggs. Now they are excited to release “Loud Magic,” an alternative electronic track that grabs onto you. The track begins with a haunting intro, and incorporates synth sounds and a powerful buildup. Right as the beat drops, Foreign Air shows off their vocal skills at the perfect moment, filling the song with intensity.
The lyrics are equally as powerful as vocalist Jesse Clasen hits with lines like, “I know that you want to be seen, I know that you want to be queen…every one wants to be king,” “I know that you want to believe someone broke your trust,” and “I’m screaming out loud, I’m reaching for the clouds- will they listen to me now?” Interestingly enough, the track’s hook is inspired by Michael Jordan. “I grew up watching the Bull’s as a kid in the 90’s. I had giant inspirational posters of him on my wall,” Jesse explains. “I wanted to capture that spirit in the chorus, that moment when the score is tied, you’re exhausted, and you just put up the last shot at the buzzer.” “Loud Magic” is powerful, inspiring track that will have you feeling lifted and ready to tackle anything.
Keep up with the band here.
by Abby Trapp | May 31, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
LA-based producer Josh Pan just released his latest single, a track titled “Wait For Me”. Pan collaborates on his latest with the duo X&G. How do you change the expectations of what EDM and electronic should sound like? Easy, just listen to “Wait For Me.” What I thought would be a rock track, soon shifts to sounds of electronic piano and organ. Combined with ethereal sounds of synth and unexpected bass drops, “Wait For Me” proves to be one of a kind. It even incorporates a jazzy, gospel feel with the ever present sound of electronic keyboard. “Wait For Me” will keep you listening and wondering what will happen next. On his latest single, Pan really takes creative liberties by incorporating folk-rock into a familiar electronic sound. What’s even more, is Josh’s ability to create a memorable vocal sound as a baritone on “Wait For Me”. The track is unique, and if you’re like me and love new music, then “Wait For Me” is for you.
Keep up with Josh here.
