Wolf Parade - Self-Titled EP

Wolf Parade
s/t EP
Sub Pop Records
Grade: A-

Essentially this is just a four-song teaser in order to get us ready for a surely dynamite full-length entitled Apologies to the Queen Mary to be released in September by Montreal’s Wolf Parade. In that respect, the first two songs “Shine a Light” and “You Are a Runner and I Am My Father’s Son” will actually be on full-length, which sort of sucks. The four-piece are a well-connected bunch, with friends in Arcade Fire and Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse, who channel core indie rock in similar thoughts to country and label mates Constantines, but with more artsy panache. Wolf Parade add to their sound underlying keyboards which helps to differentiate and provides an intermittent dance feel as on “Disco Sheets.” The obvious standout number on EP is the opener “Shine a Light.” Smartly directed and focused, “Shine a Light” is a sure hit single with pulsing bass and guitars and humming keys. While “You Are a Runner and I Am My Father’s Son” is average, “Lousy Pictures” returns Wolf Parade to more of the straight ahead rock. This EP clearly fulfills its job as a teaser, thus causing a tapping anticipation for Apologies to the Queen Mary. You may also want to hold off to the full-length as well.