FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brother Wolf Announces Highly Anticipated 2nd Album Release: "After Fear"

Michigan, USA — Brother Wolf, the enigmatic multi-instrumentalist hailing from Michigan, is set to unveil his second studio album, "After Fear," on Friday, October 13, 2023. The album offers a poignant reflection on the tumultuous events of our times, including the pandemic, January 6th, and the myriad challenges faced in the early years of this decade.

Genre-blending Post-Punk Soundscapes

"After Fear" presents listeners with a captivating blend of post-punk soundscapes that delve into the complexities of our collective psyche. Brother Wolf masterfully crafts these sonic landscapes by performing all the instruments and arrangements himself. His unique creative process involves weaving together layers of guitar, occasional horns, strings, and piano, all anchored by a compelling melodic bass line.

A Musical Journey through the Pandemic Era

Brother Wolf's album opens with 'Wait,' a mesmerizing track with haunting vocals and enigmatic lyrics. Evoking Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, it echoes the longing and patience of the pandemic era, prompting us to ponder whom we become. The song urges reflection on the limitations of our embrace, dreams on hold, and the preciousness of time. It prompts us to rediscover kindness and gratitude, seeking real connections beyond screens.

As the album unfolds, it gains momentum with ‘Owe It All To You’ and ‘Meltdown Breakthrough.’ ‘Owe It All To You’ delves directly into the post-punk side of the album, driven by a roaring, fast-paced guitar that intensifies the anxious atmosphere, perfectly complementing Brother Wolf's frenzied lyrics. The song serves as a powerful anthem of self-discovery and recovery, a triumphant mantra that reflects the artist's journey of overcoming drug addiction. It climaxes with Brother Wolf repeatedly chanting "I Owe It All To You," as if he has reached the brink of madness, only to find redemption within himself.

‘Meltdown Breakthrough’ introduces a haunting electric guitar that weaves dystopian chords throughout the track, setting the thematic tone for the entire piece. Brother Wolf's husky vocals, combined with this instrumental backdrop, create a haunting soundscape that transports listeners to a desolate wasteland, where one must confront the harsh realities of their surroundings. In the song, this desolation mirrors the longing to reconnect with a friend and the internal dialogue about whether things will ever be the same after all this time apart.

Breaking away from the preceding tracks, ‘Snakes’ takes a more synthetic and electric approach in its production. This song stands out as the most ambiance-driven piece on the album, at times dissolving into repetitive whispers and drones. The video released earlier in winter of 2022 features model Sophia Jacobs, Benjamin Hunter's wife.

Side B of the album takes a thought-provoking turn with 'Worthless Billionaire,' this first single released in the wake of Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter. This brilliant concept song immerses the listener in the mindset of an indifferent billionaire, callous to the destructive consequences of their greed on society. What sets this track apart is its darkly humorous and sinister delivery, akin to John D. Rockefeller crooning Radiohead's 'Creep.' 'Worthless Billionaire' provides a stark commentary on the unchecked excesses of wealth and power, particularly poignant in a world grappling with the ramifications of such unbridled influence.

In a musically rich tapestry of strings, syncopated rhythms, and dynamic shifts, this ‘Recognizing’ explores the struggle to reconcile faith with self-realization. The lyrics depict introspection, the pain of seeking miracles, and the relentless internal conflict. The narrative reaches a pivotal moment when the protagonist casts off the chains of Christianity. It's a poignant exploration of faith's toll, the quest for change, and the loneliness of constant kneeling.

‘Something Better’ is set to an eerie keyboard and a gripping bass line, this song embodies a child's plea for change amidst their parents' post-January 6th descent into conspiracy and nationalism. It culminates in a psyche-rock climax with a call to action, emphasizing the need for something better. It carries a powerful message: 'Children can teach their parents too,' offering hope for transformation.

In 'Star,' the most powerful rock track on the album, listeners are inspired by the Thelemic principle 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.' This anthem urges self-discovery and shedding hatred. Musically, 'Star' is dynamic, echoing your intrinsic brilliance.

Step away from hatred, embrace indifference. You're the star, so marvel at your light. Embrace love as the governing law. 'Do what thou wilt' is your gift, a reminder that love is fundamental. We're all born as stars, lighting up the sky. Despite life's pain, giving up is the easy way out. 'Star' encourages self-realization and embracing your true purpose.

Closing the album with a sense of symmetry, 'Present' brings us full circle to the surreal atmosphere of the opening track, 'Wait.' It's a bookend that ties the album together, underscored by fantastic atmospheric production that carries a cinematic, maximalist grandeur.

In 'Present,' Brother Wolf's vocals shine brightly, particularly towards the conclusion, where his emotive, Bowie-esque backing vocals resonate with pure hope. The lyrics explore the wisdom of staying grounded in the 'now,' emphasizing that wandering into the realm of hypotheticals and false fantasies only prolongs the journey into a never-ending spiral.

About Brother Wolf

Brother Wolf, a true polymath from Michigan, is more than just a musician. With a background in communication arts as a professor of Communication Studies, he has left an indelible mark on the creative world. In addition to his solo work, Brother Wolf has published music and art zines and has been the guiding hand behind the recording, mixing, and mastering of albums for numerous bands and solo artists from the Midwest and beyond. Previously known as the frontman for Michigan-based bands Head and Love Fossil. Focusing his energy with his new project, the live performance of this has heavy hitting, seasoned veterans of the Grand Rapids music scene; Matt Youker (drums - Ozenza, The War Between, Fedykin, Glassfield) Britt Younker (bass - Ozenza, The War Between), Justin Sharrow (lead guitar - Brena and UTO) and Jennifer Dodde (piano - David Bowie Tribute, Jesus Christ Superstar).

Press

The Record Eagle, in a story on July 28, 2023, described Brother Wolf's work as "drawing from a David Bowie-coined phrase, 'aesthetically promiscuous,'" and cited influences ranging from '70s glam and post-punk to noise rock and lyrical play of golden-era hip hop.

Record Release Party

To celebrate the album's release, Founders Brewing Company will host Brother Wolf’s Record Release Party at their taproom in Grand Rapids, MI, on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 8:00 PM. Founders will release the limited edition Brother Wolf IPA available exclusively in the taproom the day of and following the release. "Brother Wolf IPA has a crisp golden body with citrus notes creating a tropical mouthfeel," said Diamond Deschaine, Founders Innovation Brewer. 

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Jennifer Dodde: jenelmer@gmail.com

About Wolf Den / Beer City ASCAP

"After Fear" is being released under the Wolf Den / Beer City ASCAP label, adding to Brother Wolf's growing discography.

To Preview “After Fear”: https://benhunter.bandcamp.com/album/after-fear

For more information and updates, please visit Brother Wolf's official website and social media channels.

Official Website: www.brotherwolf.love
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrotherWolfBen/
Instagram: @solidarityrocker