Wolves
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The duo of Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk, as Wonderly the Portland residents welcome many guest players for these songs inspired by the winter season.
The warm and cozy “It Was Written That Way” starts the record with expressive singing in a dreamy climate of beauty, and “Wall Of China” follows with Steve Berlin’s baritone sax entering the strong attention to mood that’s emotive and powerful.
Further along, the rich “My Damn Self” welcomes Veronica Sparling’s well timed trumpet and Dana Sparling’s strategic flute for a chamber influenced moment, while “Starfucker” carries a frisky tone via Pete Thomas’ scrappy drums and melodic guitars that complement some high notes sung.
Deeper still, the rootsy flavor of “Dancin With The Devil” benefits much from Paul Brainard’s glowing pedal steel, and “Words To Say Goodbye” exits with plenty of grit amid the gorgeous vocal harmonies, firm organ and hazy guitar.
A body of work often tinted with melancholy, both light and dark ideas from the human experience are fleshed out across this careful and touching listening experience.
Travels well with: Jim Brunberg- Crooning Through The Apocalypse; William Matheny- That Grand Old Feeling