by James Zajaczkowski ’15 and Dylan Welch ’15
Released back in October of 2014, Wolf Gang’s sophomore act is a pleasant surprise continuing the group’s expansion. Hailing from London, this band brings a new meaning to symphonic rock with Alveron. Following their impressive debut work, Suego Faults, this album adds more personal lyrics accompanied by a plethora of unique instrumental backgrounds.Combining an old-school rock and a modern electro feel, the English performers have drawn comparisons to some of the band’s they’ve toured with: The Killers, Bastille, and Coldplay.
The band started out as a one-man show. Max McElligott, lead vocalist, started out as a solo act after leaving college in 2011, eventually assembling a few other members to form Wolf Gang. Although they are not quite a household name yet, this album may be one that helps officially put them on the map. Suego Faults, their debut album, grabbed some attention with a couple hits, and this one is sure to do the same.
To get the listener’s blood pumping, the album opens up with a traditional rock ballad in “Now I Can Feel It” that kicks it off with some intensity. The ending guitar solo should hook you into checking out the remainder of the mystical musical journey. “Lay Your Love Down” was released as a single before the full-length’s release and really adds a spark with its upbeat, yet down-to-earth sound. Capping it off, the album transitions to the title track “Alveron,” arguably their best work on the record, for a dramatic finish with its swift switches from piano to emphatic guitar.
Whether it is the perfectly-timed trumpet that’s included in “Back To Life” during the middle of the album or the acoustic chill of “Ghost In My Life” towards the end, McElligott has constructed a beauty of a follow-up act, taking another step forward with his group. Give it a listen and keep a look for them back out on tour.
Recommendations:
James 8/10
Dylan 7/10
