Among Wolves have been working on their second album, and previewing songs from it in their rousing, raucous live show, for so long that I felt like I loved This Is A Wave Goodbye before ever hearing it. The Baltimore quartet is a rare breed, an old-fashioned rock band with multiple singers and songwriters whose different voices and visions fit together into a unit that’s greater than the sum of its parts. That unit has a tendency to get drunk and play sloppy renditions of their twangy roots rock compositions, but that’s just in keeping with the tradition passed on by the band’s influences, which loom over the album without swallowing it up.

[See post to listen to audio]

“Trigger” is the Jason Butcher-fronted rocker that vaults This Is A Wave Goodbye into high gear after the solemn, piano driven “Broken Afternoon” gently opens the album like an extended intro. But even “Trigger” soons open up into a gorgeous, harmony-driven bridge. From there, the band keeps bouncing between different singers, different moods and different tempos, managing to make a relatively short, concise album feel like a journey with an emotional arc. Even the straightforward, synth-driven power pop of “Sailboat” ends up feeling like a welcome curveball in the context of the album’s moody second half.

[See post to listen to audio]

Even though the loose cameraderie of the band’s live shows as they trade instruments and take turns at the mic is missed on the album, the focus and clarity afforded by a lengthy gestation period in the studio more than makes up for it. And on the album’s best song, the roaring, careening midtempo barnstormer “3 AM,” a little of the band’s wild chaotic energy starts to seep in, from the ad libbed howl that opens the song onward. Even the slight sloppiness of the song’s guitar solo gives it a little bit of an edge that makes the track come alive. Many bands continue to mine the same fertile intersection of classic rock, indie pop and alt-country as Among Wolves, but few make it sound so vital and their own.

The Beechfields is a self-proclaimed “small artist-run label based in Baltimore, Maryland … devoted to helping spread the word about music that we love, and to building a supportive community around the people who make it.”

What a simple yet inspiring way to get new and creative music out there. If only every label were this conscientious. If only radio were this conscientious. But then again if these two things were true the Beechfields might never have come to fruition.

Back to the record… I was first impressed with the album artwork. At first glance I thought the image on the cover was of wood chips. Shortly after that, Emily pointed out that it was of a pole with the remains of hundreds of band fliers. What a great album cover for a label comp. Perfect.

But the record doesn’t end at the cover.

We start with a track by Infinite Honey called Honeybees. It’s a nice summery ditty. A nice relaxing mellow cut to keep me cool today in the 96° heat.

[See post to listen to audio]

Next is a basement 8-track recording by Private Eleanor called Scare Yourself To Death. It’s not my favorite track in terms of production as I like the detail of their full-length record. But I feel like this is a splendid demo. A good starting point. The highlight is definitely the organ and the vocals. I wonder what they used? Their other song on the comp is an outtake from their record, Sweethearting. This track’s harmony vocals remind me spot-on of Murfreesboro, TN’s own Glossary.
[See post to listen to audio]

Madeline by the Red Vines is an outtake from their Flaming Lips-ish titled record, Everyday Needles for Electromagnet Lovers. I did however hear this song as being titled “Maryland” until I looked at the back of the CD. I love the solo. It’s very Velvet Underground. A band I am getting back into these days. Anyways. I can’t wait to hear The Red Vines’ full-length. And drummer Jason Butcher is someone to keep an eye out for. The other track, El Nuevo Mundo, reminds me a bit of Calexico in the southwestern twang. There’s something about organs and bands on this label. It’s definitely a good thing.
[See post to listen to audio]

A Daily Reminder by A Cat Called Cricket is a rolling acoustic track. I totally dig the cello in the left channel and the rhodes in the right.
[See post to listen to audio]

Pupa’s Window appears to be a side-project from The Seldon Plan’s Mike Nestor. Perhaps a more mellow and subdued Mike Nestor. Warm Embrace has the brevity of a Guided by Voices song, clocking in at a perfect 1 minute and 50 seconds. You want more, but really only need what Mike gives.
[See post to listen to audio]

Sidekick by the Honest Mistakes is a fun pop song. Nothing more, nothing less. Just no-frills good songwriting pop! It didn’t speak to me on first listen, but it’s totally growing on me. And becoming one of my favorite tracks on the comp.
[See post to listen to audio]

Our Time In Rockland County by the Seldon Plan Is a warm and dreamy track. I love the cut-time section towards the middle. And Mike’s double-tracked vocals still go miles for me. Is anyone else reminded  of Swervedriver? The other track is a cut from their great record: The Collective Now.
[See post to listen to audio]

Letter by Among Wolves is a standout track for me. I really like the guitars. They sound like guitars. There’s nothing better than guitars that sound like guitars. I think this might be my favorite in terms of production from this compilation. Sadly there is nothing about where these tracks were recorded in the liner notes.
[See post to listen to audio]

You can pick this record up for FREE by going to the Beechfields site and purchasing any record. The comp will be included for free. I can’t stress this option more. Otherwise, you can also get for free individually by paying $1.75 for shipping OR for a limited time free copies are available at the Sound Garden in Fells Point. Do it. You’ll feel better after.