Enchanting atmospheres of dark wave and trip hop collide with the crushing drive of alt rock on Sword Tongue's incredible new EP, "Taming the Night Wolves". Starting off on a perfect note, opening song "To My Apparition" puts this formula on full display, effectively setting the mood for what else is to come. "Unmoored" begins rather lowkey, but then explodes in a flurry of some of the best drum work I've heard in a while in this scene. My jaw hit the floor when the double kick pedals blazed across a monster drum break. The following tracks, "Taming the Night Wolves" and "In the Undercurrent" play more like Massive Attack on steroids in the best way you can imagine. Vocalist Jennifer Wilde spins a tale of lycanthropy on the title track, and her voice is just so enchantingly melodic, spinning the listener into a euphoric trance. Joined by the legendary percussive genius of Dan Milligan (who has worked with Front 242, Ministry, Stabbing Westward, amongst others), the ethereal soundscapes are juxtaposed by some incredibly strong, and pounding drum parts. But here's what I find so great about this: the live drums, as loud and prominent as they are, do not overpower the mix; rather, they are done so dynamically that it blends so seamlessly with the airy electronics and Jennifer Wilde's soaring vocals. This is such a stellar and strong release, I am personally excited to see what the future holds for Sword Tongue. If you have not heard of them yet, this band is a must listen.
Standout Track: "Unmoored". I just cannot get over how incredible the drums are on this song!
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