Like many punk evoked sounds since the 1970’s, this band approaches many different subjects from politics to religion and life struggles. In the punk manner, they do not hold back and tell the listener exactly what they think. This is a key ingredient to the punk movement, speaking your mind and allowing the chips to fall where they may. This kind of approach will always alienate some listeners, but isn’t that the point to counter cultural movements?
Now we have that out of the way, let me take you on a musical journey, or should I say, let Chasin Wolves take you on a musical journey. Firstly, I have to say I was really impressed with the production of this album. Heavy music can be hit or miss when it comes to the production value, but this album sounds crisp and clean. The opening song Safe In Sound has a very catchy rift that grabs your attention straight away and sets the scene for what is to come throughout the album.
The lead singer Matt Collie certainly has been blessed with a voice from the singing gods that fits like a glove. Gravely and clear, normally it takes a long time to figure what the singer is singing about, but in the case of Chasin Wolves, this is not the case, I would suggest it was the clean Queenstown air from where they hail.
Every song on this album should have its own mention, but for the sake of time, here are a few well worth listening to;
Seriously is an interesting song with some wonderful licks and constant headbanging to go along with it. Its lyrics delve into what I would describe as the singer not taking fundamentalist religious people’s words seriously. Even at 4 minutes long, this song does not overstay its welcome at all, it is a rhythm bomb hitting my ears.
The City opens up with a very catchy riff that only gets better and better as the song gets more gritty and exciting. It follows a very familiar chord progression, but the simple ones are sometimes the best.
Take It From Me has a very nice change in its composition from the beginning softer tones that takes the song to a new level. Certainly, this song has a lot more melancholy to it but this is no way a negative against this song, if anything it adds more depth to an already hard hitting, good time album.
This album was a pleasant surprise, in the day of quick fixes and less is more, listening to a full 12 track album that holds the listener from start to finish is certainly a great success in itself. I highly recommend listening to this if you enjoy the harder side of the LP and want the motivation to create a new counterculture. Though, I would probably ask your grandma to leave the room, unless she loves a bit of anarchy, then get a stiff drink and let the good times roll.
Chasin Wolves is band originally from Queenstown.
Formed back in 2010 by Matt Collie and Andres Bedoya.
First single Not Sorry from their upcoming self-titled album, Chasin Wolves, has been released and is available in all major streaming platforms.