The promo pile pulled a pleasant surprise last week with Wildfires, the forthcoming sophomore release from Vancouver-based outfit the Mohawk Lodge. The band's calling this their "blue collar indie soul" record, and "Everybody's On Fire" fits the bill, setting loose, group choruses/hollerbacks to a slow 'n' grooved-up swing, set for your local indie blues joint. "Indie" for a couple of reasons: the wah-wah'd arty guitar toward the end, and the guest vocalist's credentials -- one Dan Boeckner, hero of Handsome Furs/Wolf Parade fame. Noting Dan's cameo was an afterthought (on first listen the mildly apathetic/cool swaggering vox sorta sounded like Julian Casabalancas. Still sorta does.), but it's another reason to love Spencer Krug's other lupine half.
The Mohawk Lodge (Feat. Dan Boeckner) - "Everybody's On Fire" (MP3)
More of a straight rock vibe to this one...
The Mohawk Lodge (Feat. Dan Boeckner) - "Wear 'Em Out" (MP3)
Grab the Boeckner-free "Hard Times" at MySpace. Wildfires is out 7/31 on White Wale.
