Screaming Grieving
My friends we are gradually seeing the light at the end of the tunnel out of this horrendous car crash that has been manipulated to suit the politicians, to the detriment of the public. Grief, this is what we are all suffering, in different ways and indifferent aspects of our lives. The pandemic has exacerbated conditions for those already in trouble, the sick, the poor, the weak as always are hardest hit.
What I have for you today is the new release from my friends The Wolf Howls When I Scream Your Name, a band who are rising through the ranks with their unconventional and unassuming outlook, beginning as a solo outfit with Matty Awbery, then adding bassist Harry Woodrow and drummer Sam Johnson to elevate the artistry.
This collection of emotionally uninhibited, fearless tunes called ‘Grief Songs’ the title in itself is observant and blatant, gives us an overview and insight of this difficult subject. We open with the title track and it is here we find the band’s name, confident and courageous. There is a lot of talk about mental health, and how we all need to dig deeper, not just for ourselves but for those around us. I find music says what I can’t or don’t want to and these songs are the hand to hold while we sort our lives out. For me the influences range from REM and The National on ‘Fryin’ Brains’ and the crashing and thrashing tones of The Jesus And Mary Chain in’ Clover’ an eight minute Indie tinged number. The songs sweep and soar, way above and then fall just within reach, for us to hold close and cherish. Another trait we have is ‘Guilt’ it is draining to the point that the inner voice insists that the baggage you carry cannot be set down. The words here are unafraid; ‘and I’ll hate myself in ways I can’t even describe’ you don’t need a mirror when you can analyse yourself like this. Harnessing the potential and competence of personal trauma the band bring us ‘Doreen’ a bespoke piece that can apply to anyone who listens to it.
Matty Awbery is leading the charge in the hotbed of emerging songwriting talent; I find his work raw yet accomplished, whole-hearted yet unfinished but altogether inspiring and enigmatic.
So, when the wolf howls and your skin turns blue, there’s a grief song here for you. Timeless.
TWHWISYN – Grief Songs – out on 25h October.