Gnarwolves – ‘Adolescence’

Pure Noise Records could be considered pop-punk’s most prized record label, with artists such as The Story So Far, State Champs, Handguns, Seaway, and Four Year Strong. However, the punk driven-trio Gnarwolves are making a case for one of the best releases of 2015. Over a year after their debut LP, ‘Adolescence’ returns to the trio’s gritty punk aesthetic of ‘CRU’ and ‘Funemployed’ with a more mature and polished sound.

An ode to the punk fan base, the EP highlights the band’s knack for anger-infused melodies that cause blood-rushing screams and body gyrations. Lead singer Thom Weeks spews out the emotional issues of growing older, leaving your veins to jump from your necks, as he sings, “Do you every worry that time might slip away?” and “Don’t feel much when you can’t feel nothing.” Such disdain shows the band’s awareness of the bleak reality of adulthood, littered with stagnation, boredom, and political corruption.

‘The Waiting Line’ serves as an energetic opening track, dishing out a screeching guitar melody, coupled with frantic drumming, triggering your adrenaline to rise. Lyrically, the song grapples with the frustrations of becoming idle, something that is especially true in adolescence, but is relatable to any stage of life.

The sudden thrust of the guitars and drums elevates Weeks’ hoarse delivery, culminating in a distorted breakdown that rivals the best that hardcore has to offer. The speed, velocity, and anger that drives the song certainly tips its hat to hardcore pioneers of the 80’s, such as Dead Kennedy’s, Bad Religion, Minor Threat and more.

‘Daydreamer’ continues the frantic pace set by the opening number, as Weeks’ social commentary challenges the average pragmatist and what it means to build a home, as the chorus shouts, “We make home inside ourselves, our own personal hell.” An interlude between the melodic chaos, ‘Blondie’ showcases Gnarwolves versatility. The acoustic number floats between disparity and anger, as Weeks’ soft harmony slides effortlessly into guttural shouts, as the last line “Got me hanging on the telephone” transitions into the song ‘Bad Dreams.’

This final number is carried by a distorted bass-driven hook, reminiscent of an up-tempo Melvins track. The sludge metal/punk head banger closes with the same ferocity it opened with, as the snarling “bad dreams” line adds a definitive and satisfying end to the EP.

‘Adolescence’ adds a much needed spark to the deflated punk genre. The trio have found a balance between irritability, melody, and maturity that should make the EP a stand out amongst punk and hardcore audiences.

Over four years now, Gnarwolves have continued to develop. This 2015 release demonstrates a more cohesive sound, something that gives this trio the platform to become leaders of the punk genre.

TYLER GREEN