Review Summary: On their debut album Wolves Like Us deliver a poignant take on sludge-induced modern hardcore.
With their debut album, Oslo-based Wolves Like Us display a refreshing take on modern hardcore. Instead of relying on trite post-hardcore formulas being filtered by countless acts these days, they are heavily influenced by the bands that pioneered the genre in the early 1990s.
Late Love echoes the approach of such highly influential acts as Quicksand and Drive Like Jehu. Similarly to these outfits, Wolves Like Us rely on the sonic attack that revolves around a massive rhythm section comprised of fast, constantly pummeling drums and totally audible, thunderous bass riffs. What really sets them apart from their peers though is the inclination towards sludge metal being reflected in the sheer sonic heaviness of the entire disc.
On top of that is an entirely gruff vocal performance of Larsh Kristensen, a perfect antidote for all these whiny, high-pitched voices that saturate the scene. Kristensen has a penchant for crafting admirably angular, yet powerful melodies that not only superbly compose with the act's style, but also provide another curiously emotive dimension. This genuine emotional core the singer so skillfully builds with both his voice and lyrics might be the album's most substantial asset.
Another undeniable achievement of the band is that
Let Love sounds fluid despite a wide array of influences on display. After a somewhat lackluster opener, “Deathless” bursts with controlled fury that mounts to an explosive finale. From that point on, the album gets only better. “Sin After Sin” slows down the pace with its sludgy undertones setting the stage for poignant vocals. “Secret Handshake” reveals the band's affection for alternative rock in melodious verses and a hook-driven chorus, while “Gone To Dust” emulates some of the most notable stoner rock outfits with its infectious groove. In fact, every single track is meticulously thought-out and has its own identity, which makes
Let Love one of the most diverse records of the year.
