I did not listen to this record in the year and maybe the year after it came out, and if I did, it was not listened to it more than once, until now. For being a bigger fan of this band in the early aughties I felt I owed it to them and myself, to write a review of their swan song.
The constant that connected each record was the band's progression, and although The Black Swan was not what I expected, it was an appropriate title and a good album (I was expecting more musically adventurous offerings, but that is besides the point.) However, I felt at record four there was a stand-still and a plateau the band had reached. It sounded as if they had recorded a compilation album of B-sides from previous records; "There Was a Time" when I saw the album as a weed in the band's garden of music, when it was actually a seed that took time to grow on me, where I could appreciate each leaf for what it was.
An album supported and inspired by fans, the Wolves may be ravenous for another record. It will be five years to this day since the last record was released. However, fans may just have to settle for a band sounding as if they are on their last leg, but not going without a fight. "How Can We Go On?" is a perfect example of a broken spirit ensnared in futility on the inside, lyrically, yet baring their teeth sonically and expressing their refusal to give in on the outside. It effectively documents the songwriter's struggle to adapt to a life with a different purpose.
"Bang Bang" shares a similar formula but focuses on a different topic. The lyrics may not be as dark as a forest at dusk, but a campfire would be nice. There is a synergy with the lyrical and music components of the song that is more potent than the second track. The chorus serves as sparklers to guide you through the darkness that leads you to the nostalgic "Youth."
"I Swear, I'm Okay" is the first song that highlights vulnerability without the sonic aggression to accompany it and the realization that we are all imperfect. The song is a request for forgiveness and understanding, for empathy and support, because even the toughest of men, women, and people of the non-binary persuasion could use a helping hand, listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or all three, and that's okay.
Even if you cannot hear me, you will be able to hear that soaring chorus in your head on repeat, and depending on your preferences, you may consider it a miracle if you forget the one-two punch of tracks six and seven.
"A Part of Me" wants to believe an accordion accompanied the percussive drum pattern, akin to a march in honor of a dead but valiant soldier, and that the soldier has found himself in an odd position of power, not only questioning his identity, but if he is even part of the story. However, the lyrics suggest someone else in an altered state questioning their own influence, and how someone else has affected them. One of my favorites in the second half.
At first, I thought "Give Up My Heart" was referring to a new love in Marsala's life as a father, and how this particular identity is accompanied by a different type of love, but then later on I wasn't so sure. There is this drum pattern that serves as an undercurrent propelling and simulating the feeling of being swept away by a tidal wave that could be labelled love, a kind that may not only consume one's identity, but their heart as well.
"The Eternal Battle for Mike Cronin's Soul (To Be Alive Again)" is not the rowdiest rollercoaster ride but is a journey that is accompanied by a narrative. This narrative is not outlined by events, but by emotions that are expressed or referred to by the sonic or lyrical aspects of the tune.
Throughout the record there are echoes of their sophomore effort and instrumental swanterludes that liven up their sound; one example being "Message to the World" from The Black Swan.
While I feel like the black sheep of my family, or the black swan of "My Home," I am embraced and accepted as one would be when with those that truly love them. The latter reminded me of the former, yet it was not the same. The word "samba" came to mind, and I could feel a club vibe. Those intriguing elements are also more prominent in the song, and not only showcased at the tail end of the tune.
"Goodnight, My Love" features this energetic riff that would not fit well with a traditional love song. Could this be called a love song? Are the emotions and notions mentioned synonymous with what one can feel when in love? What is love?
Words to describe the second last song are "Like Ghosts," evanescent and out of reach; not that it is something we have not heard before, or that it is not worth listening to, but nothing I can personalize with a reference.
I can offer the same critique for the final song, the calm before the storm, or that teaser of the final confrontation between John Ottway and the wolves in The Grey. The length was more than a novelty' and accompanied by elements of substance. They managed to hold my attention, especially at the climax. They also managed to make this song one to remember in spite of it being a tad longer than their average song length.
Overall, I was pleased with the wolves' howl. As said before, I didn't give enough time to appreciate their fourth record for what it was because the progression was not readily apparent. I can say that with their fifth they had managed to meet expectaitions
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