Wolf People ~ England

Tidings (2011) 

---3/30/11

Tidings is a compilation of singles, with nicely done artsy interludes, and is more geared to late 60's psych similar to Gary Ramon's Sun Dial project (especially Other Way Out). Wolf People have truly captured the essence of another era, and aren't just a retro copy band. Definitely start with Steeple though.

---11/11/24

This was my second encounter with Wolf People after Steeple, and both were relatively new at the time. As noted below, two albums later came Ruins which I think is one of the greatest albums from the last decade. And sadly they haven't released anything since though it appears they are still around. But one can hear their trademark sound here on Tidings. This is an odd release as it compiles two of their singles from 2007 that appear to have been also issued on cd-r in 2006. Discogs calls them a psychedelic folk rock band, but I would never associate folk rock with Wolf People. However one can hear that strain on Tidings, so it's not inaccurate. This album had fallen to the bottom of the rankings, but I was certain not to let it go given my affinity for their three fully realized works. The album provides historical context for this great band.

Ownership: 2010 Jagjaguwar (LP). Acquired in 2011.

3/30/11 (notes); 11/11/24 (review)

Ruins (2016)

It must be the thing to do. What's that you ask? Oh, well if you're a band that had enjoyed recreating the UK styled 1971 proto-prog experience, then you have now moved on to the psychedelic era. Blood Ceremony, Purson, and Syd Arthur all had previously done something similar earlier in the year. The former two went back in time, whereas the latter went forward, but all within the confines of what we constitute as "psychedelia". And for my tastes at least, all three of them took a step back in the quality department too.

Not so for Wolf People. Quite simply this is the best post 1968 UK psychedelic album I've heard, even besting Sun Dial's Other Way Out. Of course, no real album from 1968 would sound like this. Ruins represents the ideal of the 1968 Carnaby Street landscape. When listening to this album, you want to see girls in paisley mini dresses, white go-go boots, and stylish hats. And a lot of mascara.

Ruins opens with two blistering tracks in 'Ninth Night' and 'Rhine Sagas'. Only to lead into the album's pièce de résistance 'Night Witch'. I've never heard a song like this before. From a composition perspective, it sounds like one of the more classy NWOBHM bands (think Legend)... as played by Outskirts of Infinity. The song is melodic and memorable, and that which includes two of the most incendiary fuzz guitar breaks I've heard since Many Bright Things covered the Butterfield Blues Band's 'East West'. 'Kingfisher' is the closest Wolf People gets to their prog rock roots, though strangely it may be the album's weakest cut. Starting with 'Thistles' you realize the album will continue its staggering psychedelic quality. All the songs are well-written, not just exercises in guitar fuzz overload and effects. Along with 'Night Witch', the other bonafide monster track here is 'Not Me Sir' which has a slight Middle Eastern tonality. Overall, there's not a weak moment to be found throughout.

If the radio was a still a thing, then Ruins would be what I want to hear on it. Of course we know we wouldn't, but as mentioned prior, Ruins represents the ideal.

Ownership: 2016 Jagjaguwar (CD). Tri-fold digipak. Acquired in 2017.

4/1/17 (review)

Fain (2013)

For those who keep hoping that Transatlantic didn't release all of their tapes in 1971, then Wolf People gives one hope that such reel-to-reels may have been found. Except Fain was recorded in 2013. Don't tell the band though. It may depress them beyond recovery. So, in the end, Wolf People appear to be a cross between fictional band mates Stray, CMU, and even Gryphon. Perhaps Wolf People may want to go completely madcap and next try to emulate Jan Dukes de Grey and Marsupilami. Not sure even I could handle that - may need a heart surgeon nearby for an experience like that. I'll take what I can get. And encourage Wolf People to continue their odyssey through the deranged 1971 mindset. I can listen to stuff like this all day.

Ownership: 2013 Jagjaguwar (CD). Acquired in 2013.

5/18/13 (review)

 

Steeple (2010)

Unlike Canadian label mates Black Mountain, there aren't any traces of modern indie or stoner sounds to be found on Wolf People. For me, they are one of the best retro psychedelic influenced progressive rock bands I've heard. The late 60's acid guitar tone is to die for. You can file Wolf People next to that other most excellent UK retro band - Diagonal.

Steeple peaks on the ultra freak-out 'Cromlech', which recalls UFO era Guru Guru of all albums, and is a complete monster in this setting. The flute on 'Tiny Circle' is a really nice touch, and I'd love to hear the instrument utilized further into their sound.

Ownership: 2010 Jagjaguwar (CD). Acquired in 2011.

2/14/11 (review); 9/10/18

2/14/11 (new entry)