aaamusic | On 04, Jan 2014

When the Fire is Dead in the Grate is a new limited vinyl 12’’ by critically hailed Wolf People. This EP consists of four tracks representing few directions of a voyage that Wolf People dared to take. When the Fire is Dead in the Grate is an effort undertaken for the sake of prog-rock sound revival. So the tracks sound really vintage but nevertheless intriguing. This release includes two tracks that are already known by fans and two tracks that are brand new. With the help of this album Wolf People gently implement sound techniques from the past to our ever-changing sonic environment.

The first track (which gave the name for the whole EP) shows vibrant drums, classic rock soulful vocals and skillful guitars. The rhythm jumps and the track develops quite unexpectedly.

The following ‘Become the Ground’ starts as a relaxed ballad and turns out to be a confident art rock piece with disturbing guitar sounds. The following ‘All Returns’ has catchy guitar harmonics and chaotic fuzzy moments united under the flag of touching vocals and gentle backs. The last track on the EP – ‘All Returns Part II’ – excludes any vocals and continues the sound of the first part in a more energetic way.

Wolf People definitely seek their inspiration in the sonic jewels from the 60s and 70s with that notorious search for new sounds. Still their sound doesn’t seem to be a lifeless imitation of previous successes in rock music since it carries a certain atmosphere of vitality and elegant strength.

★★★★★

Agnessa Yermakova