Wolves in Fashion are a self-classified 'groove rock' band from Sydney, Australia. They started out as a four-piece to record lead singer Tim Quaife's EP, but since 2014 have evolved into a powerhouse quintet. Their influences include Muse, Foals, The Rubens and Arctic Monkeys. Originally called 'Stanley's End', Wolves in Fashion use these influences to create a sound that is familiar, yet undoubtedly unique to anything currently circulating in the Australian - maybe even global - music scene.
Their live presence is undeniable, with every member of the band not only immaculately playing their instruments, but putting on a show as well. The band put this on stage energy down to a few members having dabbled in a variety of performing arts prior to Wolves in Fashion, namely bassist Chris Thompson's background in metal bands and vocalist Tim's experience with musical theatre.
Their supporting set at The Captain Cook Hotel Sydney on October 1st left everyone in awe, with a consensus among audience members that Wolves in Fashion are not suited to supporting other bands - their dynamic show and exceptional talent make them a headline act. Their rousing cover of The White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' in the middle of their set made everyone who wasn't already enthralled really sit up and pay attention. Some bands need a set peppered with covers to mask their inability to write and perform quality originals - Wolves in Fashion are not one of those bands. Their originals were extremely well written and performed, as well as being super catchy - all necessities for songs to succeed in today's competitive music landscape.
Wolves in Fashion's new single 'Streets' - to be officially released on November 8th after being recorded earlier this year at Sydney's Jungle Studios - is just a tiny (and delectable) taste of what this up-and-coming band have to offer. Everything about Wolves in Fashion's sound screams "authority", with every instrument and band member combining so effectively to create a positively formidable sound. Bassist Chris' startling bassline, along with guitarists Pat Muller and Loko McDonald's haunting guitars set the atmosphere for this gritty and compelling track. Tim Quaife's vocals are a staple to Wolves in Fashion's sound, and this is no different in 'Streets'. Drummer Paul Crichton's effective use of toms and cymbals give an almost tribal feel at times, and play a huge part in the stadium anthem vibe of 'Streets' at around the 3:20 minute mark. The entire track is full of pleasant surprises and genius use of light and dark, and the quality of the single foreshadows Wolves in Fashion's future all too well.
Rating: 9.5/10
- Wolves in Fashion are officially releasing 'Streets' at The Vanguard, Newtown on November 26, 2015. Buy tickets here
