US foursome IN THE PRESENCE OF WOLVES was formed back in 2009, and following an initial phase the band stabilized with their current line-up in 2012. They have been an active and rather popular feature in their local live scene I understand, and when they launched their debut album “Thalassas” towards the end of 2014 it was aimed towards an established core fan base if I understand matters correctly.
What we’re dealing with here is what I’d often describe as a modern progressive rock band. Or progressive metal, depending on point of view. The band operates on the borders of rock, hard rock and metal, although that aspect in itself isn’t what makes them modern. It’s rather everything else they toss into the blender.
There’s a strong and distinct feel of indie rock and alternative rock to the landscapes this band explore. Staccato, abrupt and hard guitar riffs in particular is a recurring feature, adding that indie and alternative feel straight away. There’s also a bit of grunge added to the mix at times, adding a nice, dark bluesy feel to the proceedings, an aspect also explored by more delicate guitar solo wanderings here and there. The band explore these details and others in a rather quirky manner however, in a way that reminds ever so slightly of bands such as Thank You Scientist and The Mars Volta, but without the more excessive arrangements of the former and without the more abrasive edges of the latter. In The Presence of Wolves explore a rather more stripped down sound, and the keyboards used throughout this album is more of a gentle presence. As far as styles and blends are concerned, the frequent and recurring use of instrument details and occasional arrangements with a more purebred jazz and jazzrock orientation also merits a mention, as this defines the band almost as much as their quirky blend of hard rock bordering metal.
At this stage the band appears to me as promising to a greater extent than being a well developed unit, the ideas they explore are at times more interesting than the actual end result, if you catch my drift. They are a tight band, and most likely a strong and convincing live act, but as far as making a studio album is concerned they aren’t quite there just yet as far as I’m concerned. It is a good album, but I rather think I hear the traces of unrealized potential lurking in the shadows.
If you tend to enjoy bands that explore a more contemporary and somewhat quirky take on progressive rock and progressive metal, In The Presence of Wolves is a band that merits a check. I would imagine that fans of bands such as The Mars Volta and Thank You Scientist would be something of an ideal audience for this band and this specific CD.
My rating: 73/100
