Fires in the Night - 3 Little Wolves
By Daffs aka @TwoDaffs
Formed in a Scouse psychedelic stew and finessed with some West Midlands indie, Birmingham based band 3 Little Wolves came together after playing in various local bands to create something that sounds a little different. They consist of Paul (Vocals, Rhythm guitar), Leong (Lead guitar) Dale (Bass) and Julian (Drums). Although dubbed as an ‘indie band’ they are not run of the mill, no Oasis or Arctic Monkeys soundalikes here, they take in a range of influences from trip hop to dance, hard rock and synth pop, a fusion that gives them a unique sound and it works having gained over 15000 followers across all social media platforms.
With over 15,000 followers across social media platforms, the band are fast gaining a reputation for their uniqueness and fantastic songwriting. Following the critical and commercial success of their single ‘Fractured (a bit)’ 3 Little Wolves then released a sweeping, romantic single, a hazy dreamlike soundtrack for the summer. ‘Torch Song’ and the brilliant 'My House' they are one of the latest hotly tipped bands to come out of the Midlands.
2023 see’s the band set release their eagerly awaited debut album ‘Fires in the Night’ on 16th June in digital format with physical releases available at a later date. So, lets dive in and get our teeth into the album.
A real summer vibe
Hexadecimal is a swirly synth heavy track, classic indie pop with a dance vibe. Its full of atmospheric tones blended with soaring lead riffs. The vocal shimmers and echoes throughout, twisting in and out of the mix, a real summer vibe.
Full of melodies and a vibrant rhythm
Fractured (A bit) Originally released as a single in 2022 it has a bouncy upbeat feel, full of melodies and a vibrant rhythm. There is an almost Northern Soul kind of beat running throughout. Guitars chime and the lead solos soar. It has always been a favourite of mine. I hear hints of Lightning Seeds/Teenage Fanclub and the sentiments of beautiful south enveloped within the track another classic indie pop track.
Smooth yet powerful vocal
Firebug Takes on a different vibe, opening with a catchy drum beat and bass rhythm before a chiming riff introduces us to the vocal. It has a bit of a ska/punk vibe without the aggression and angst. The smooth yet powerful vocal is backed with a bouncy upbeat choppy rhythm that has the head nodding and feet tapping. Melodic riffs intertwine with the choppy rhythms giving an added vibrancy and energy. Harmonious backing vocals add colour and texture in keeping with the Wolves ethos.
Hazy and dreamlike
Need you more is a laid-back track; mournful vocals create a hidden yearning. It has a deep reggae/dub style beat laced with keys that shimmer above the crisp rhythm. Lead solos are hazy and dreamlike allowing the listener to drift away. Love this track, it sounds fantastic, a really beautiful song.
A multi coloured soundscape
My House instantly catchy, the opening guitar chimes create a backdrop for the sparkling synths underneath, its rich and multi layered and has a bright upbeat feel. There are melodies and catchy little hooks everywhere, it has great depth, every time you listen you hear something different. There’s no heavy driven guitars or distortion, its clean and crisp, it’s a unique sound. Everything chimes and shimmers giving a multi coloured soundscape. The rhythm is hypnotic and the guitar/synth combination makes it addictive, you will want listen to this over and over again.
Synths swirl in a heady mix
The Garden is a banger, thumping drums open with a haunting almost eastern lead riff, accomplished indie rock with a hint of punk angst springs to mind, synths swirl in a heady mix of driven guitars and energetic drums. Another track that emphasises the Wolves capabilities, mixing it up and giving variety and a touch of spice. One of my favourite tracks.
Adorned with strings
Torch Song has an almost vintage feel, it’s the crackle of needle hitting some old vinyl at the start. An acoustic adorned with strings open before the rest of the band come in, dreamlike, almost hazy and adorned with melodies, chiming guitars, and a keyboard line that adds just a bit of luxury. vocally its perfect, mournful, yearning almost begging, “See you shining on again, lighting up the room, and I want to get away, take me to the moon” It packs an emotional punch with the line “You never want to know me anymore”. It isn’t like other so called ‘Indie’ bangers, although you can hear remnants of indie bands of old but that’s where any likeness ends. Another unique track, everything sounds smooth, rich and atmospheric.
A touch of indie swagger.
Burn Inside in keeping with the theme of fire, it has a darker edge in the instrumental that’s brightened by the vocal, catchy hooks and riffs are driven forward by the pounding drum pattern and deep bass, full of little lead runs and riffs give it a catchy vibrancy. The solos add texture and a bit of heat with a touch of indie swagger.
Simply beautiful
Darkside is simply beautiful, haunting guitars, shimmer throughout, atmospheric, this is a complex track, multi layered, hints of Floyd in its character, synths/keys create an air of sadness yet its bright. The vocalis fantastic, haunting, passionate and emotive and blends perfectly with the instrumental. Guitars wail and cry out in the background adding tension and atmosphere. A brilliant song this.
Powerful and emotive
Take me over is another beautiful song, the vocal is stunning. Its powerful and emotive and as it builds this power is further emphasised within the instrumental, deep resonating bass and atmospheric guitars create a backdrop for the vocals to shine. A great closing track.
A clever and unique sound
3 Little Wolves have gone from strength to strength since I first came across them. This album is a masterpiece, the variety in their songs should be applauded, it would be impossible to box their sound off into a particular genre, yes, their elements of many, rock/Britpop/dance/hip hop whatever and blended into a clever and unique sound. It shows accomplished musicianship and skilled songwriting in one fantastic package.
One of the albums of the year
The thing I like most is the emphasis is on melody, every track is packed full, whether it’s a banger or a ballad, guitars and synths sparkle, they provide the perfect template for the vocals which are delivered in a way that makes you sit up and listen. There is no aggressive snarls or harsh tones yet they are just as powerful, passionate and emotive. It has to be one of the albums of the year for me.
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