The Republic of Wolves – “Bask”

I’m fully prepared to ward off the argument that this spot belongs to “Birdless Cage” – a more melodic, sweeping tune that seems to also be a fan favorite off of shrine.  My thinking is that The Republic of Wolves distinguish themselves from their other side projects (Tigers on Trains, Souveneer) with their intensity – the distorted riffs, the blood-curdling screams, etc.  “Birdless Cage” is an amazing song in its own right, but it always reminded me of a really good Tigers on Trains song, not necessarily something that fits the aesthetic of shrine, or The Republic of Wolves’ heavier mission statement.

“Bask”, on the other hand, is the total package. It commences with a gang-chant – a shouted ‘let’s get to work!’ that perhaps also doubles as the group’s mission statement coming off the slightly disappointing sophomore record No Matter How Narrow. Electric riffs immediately barge down the door, searing through the air and setting the tone for hellish screams of ‘I’m telling lies about myself, to myself’ ‘ – the likes of which we haven’t heard since 2010’s “Greek Fire.” A dense bridge comprised of echoed, overlapping vocals and electric feedback gives way to yet another wrinkle – a pristinely produced, resonating mantra of ‘where do all the lost minds go’, which features backing vocals from All Get Out’s Nathan Hussey. At the end of what can only be described as an insanely catchy hook, the band dives right back into the bleak shouts, screams, and deceptively complex riffs that defined the core of the song – and then ends it all with a spry, completely unanticipated acoustic guitar outro. “Bask” is both beautiful and ruthless, and quite possibly the best song that The Republic of Wolves have ever made.

Read more from this decade at my homepage for Sowing’s Songs of the Decade.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JjmQsvmmmOBFnUjP7FLu4