6-Song (E.P.) is the second EP by Canadian indie rock band Wolf Parade. The EP is a collaborative effort by the band members. Song writing and vocals are split between members Dan Boeckner and Spencer Krug.
The first four songs on the EP would later appear on the band's debut LP Apologies to the Queen Mary. Though some, such as "Dear Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts" would be in slightly different forms.
Personnel
* Dan Boeckner – guitar, vocals
* Spencer Krug – piano, keyboards, vocals
* Arlen Thompson – drums
* Hadji Bakara – keyboards, electronics
Let's get the basics about Wolf Parade out of the way quickly: they're from Montreal, they have an album coming out on Sub Pop this summer (they were signed to the label on the strength of a recommendation from Isaac Brock), and they opened for The Arcade Fire at a series of sold-out shows in Montreal and Toronto at the end of April. Even if you haven't heard about them yet, it's probably safe to assume that in a few months, you're going to be sick of them. However, as the six songs on their self-titled EP demonstrate, they have the talent to back up any attention they receive. In fact, if these six songs are any indication of their potential, Wolf Parade may prove to be the biggest band Montreal offers up during its time in the indie music spotlight.
High praise? Perhaps. But consider EP opener "Dear Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts", on which the band gives us a good idea of what David Bowie may have sounded like if he'd emerged forty years later, or even Kurt Cobain if he'd shown up a decade and a half after the fact. A retro organ sound couples with a galloping guitar line while lead vocals are half-sung/half-hiccuped; when you read it, it sounds barely palatable, but you'll be trying for weeks to get lines like "I'll say it's in God's hands / but God doesn't always have the best God-damned plans" out of your head. Similarly, "Grounds For Divorce" is built on a riff that sounds like a malfunctioning car alarm, and its vocals are done in a stuttering yelp, but it's catchier than it has any right to be -- testament to the strength of Dan Boeckner's "singing" and Hadji Bakara's sound manipulation. Elsewhere, "It's A Curse" is like a primal scream over keyboards from hell, as Boeckner's howl is supplemented by a keyboard riff that's equal parts demented and joyful.
The only thing wrong with the album is its length -- it's just 22 minutes long, and you'll be left wanting much, much more. While you'll find a few more streamed tracks The only thing wrong with the album is its length -- it's just 22 minutes long, and you'll be left wanting much, much more. While you'll find a few more streamed tracks , they sound like poorly recorded early material. With any luck, Wolf Parade will be in a more generous mood on their Sub Pop debut, easily replicating or surpassing these already impressive songs.
, they sound like poorly recorded early material. With any luck, Wolf Parade will be in a more generous mood on their Sub Pop debut, easily replicating or surpassing these already impressive songs.
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Matthew Pollesel
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