Story of the Running Wolf - Electric

Story of the Running Wolf
Electric EP
2015
Spotify

I came across Story of the Running Wolf when they recently opened for Parade of Lights at a show in Los Angeles. This type of electropop can really balance on a fine line; on one side the sound can be thin and miss some kind of real connection and on the other can be too entrenched in EDM and bass heavy. Story of the Running Wolf, both live and on this EP, tow that line expertly crafting percussion driven electronic music that both has a soul and enough rhythm that you can really move to it. Electric is an appropriate title as the band uses synths, electronic drums and an affected voice to round out their sound. This EP is all out 80s shine which is right in line with the overall vibe of Story of the Running Wolf. They are unafraid to let their inner glossiness shine through in an all out assault on the senses. With this description you might expect their music to be a bit derivative or to much of a throwback but that simply is not the case. Everything about Story of the Running Wolf feels modern and new while still holding onto something soulful.  

What Electric really does best is take the best parts of a decade and smash them into raw energy. This is never more evident than on "Stratospheric" which has some of the best music that Story of the Running Wolf play. Percussion as synth or a driving force of the music is becoming more and more common in the electropop scene and Jeffrey Chernick has it perfected as he pounds away with his light up drumsticks on a electronic kit that blasts incredible tones. The only thing missing from this duo is perhaps an analogue type instrument to really bring the entire sound together. What you get most from this record is a sense of fun in the darkness, b bathing under the neon lights of excess as night becomes day. Electric may just be a taste but there is certainly big things on the horizon for Story of the Running Wolf.

8,1 out of 10