Record Review: The Wilderness

The Wilderness - The Wilderness   4/5

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Upon first listening to The Wilderness, you can name a handful of artists this Toronto outfit have drawn their sound on, the only problem is once you've singled out those bands as similarities, deciding which The Wilderness sound most like is nearly impossible, and by that point it's too late, you're hooked. 

A band known for their energetic live performances look to capture that same energy on their debut album, and put together a strong performance. The self-titled album is a dizzying mix of post-punk grooves, brimming with high-energy indie rock and enough fuzzed out guitars and synths to make them dancefloor ready. The focal point of the band's 5 track album is 'Realpolitik,' a beat driven, fuzzed out groove with Lee Piazza's vocals adding a dark brooding quality that gives the song real weight. It's as if Trent Reznor's Nine Inch Nails met a New Order groove he just couldn't deny. 

Elsewhere, on the record hints of the Talking Heads and Sonic Youth are heard in 'Systems' and 'Triste'. While not all 5 tracks provide as much of a rush as 'Realpolitik', closer 'Thespian' comes closest with a frenzy of clashing cymbals and jagged guitars that's worth a listen, the album is a strong introduction to a band that is arguably one of the most interesting acts on the Toronto scene. 

   Realpolitik by Shattered Vinyl