Be sure to check out the forceful new DLC debuting this Thursday in the Rock Band Music Store. Set It Off “Dangerous” and Wolf Alice “Smile” are dynamic and compelling sonic expressions of confidence that’ll have you coming back for more!
When Florida pop-rock trio Set It Off dropped their fifth album Elsewhere in March of 2022, the release was promised, “to divulge an unseen vulnerability to Set If Off’s musicality, in addition to varied moods and worlds for listeners.” The album convincingly succeeds in achieving its mission statement, with standout track, “Dangerous” providing a prime example of the group’s diversity. As their career has evolved, Set It Off has dabbled in plenty of genres; you really never know what you’re going to get with the band – and that’s a big part of the appeal. On each LP, it’s as if an assembly of disparate styles has been tossed into a musical blender with the lid left off. In the case of “Dangerous,” the boys lean into more of a hip-hop vibe, while retaining Set It Off’s distinctive aggression and affinity for compelling hooks, resulting in a fast-paced and infectious banger with rap elements. This peppy, driving club track is just over two minutes long (2:04). For the entirety of the recording, guitarist Zack DeWall and drummer Maxx Danzineger assertively lay the foundation for emotive frontman Cody Carson to do his thing – which he does to great effect, particularly in the chorus which emphatically grabs the listener’s attention and invites plenty of sing/shout-along participation. At the 1:08 mark, the bridge is revealed, with restrained instrumentation shining the spotlight on Carson’s richly layered vocals until, 20 seconds later, we get a return to the insistent, assertive refrain. And then, before you expect it, “Dangerous” screeches to an abrupt halt. Tracks like this are what “Rewind” functionality was invented for. You’re sure to find yourself playing along to this edgy, confident slammer again and again!
“Smile” was the second single from 2021’s Blue Weekend, the third album from London-based Wolf Alice. Nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2021, appearing on many publications’ and websites’ “Best of the Year” lists, and receiving multiple other industry accolades, Blue Weekend is widely considered the quartet’s best work to date and “Smile” is a track that expertly showcases their many strengths. “This is one of the songs we wrote thinking that we would play it live,” vocalist Ellie Rowsell explained in a press release. “I miss that feeling of singing on stage. It’s like screaming into a pillow or something – you can get away with being more nasty. There’s a whole other part of me missing.” Indeed, lyrically this track is a defiant middle-finger to those who make assumptions and try to pigeon-hole others. Rowsell has something to get off her chest, for sure – and you’re gonna hear about it! Her headstrong vocal strutting is paired expertly with Joff Oddie’s thrillingly fuzzy fretwork and the equally self-confident performances of bassist Theo Ellis and drummer Joel Amey. “Smile” is alternately hypnotic and heavy, bursting with arena-ready hooks contrasted with soaring sonic dreamscapes. Massive drums and huge, catchy guitar work support the overall rebellious, insolent vibe as the entire group channels their inner punk muse, while remaining melodically accessible. With verses delivered in a partly rap, partly conversational manner, the cut reaches its sonic and emotional crescendo with a mammoth chorus that draws upon all of Wolf Alice’s eclectic, disparate qualities. Ellis’ isolated, growly bass line announces the song’s middle-eight at the 2:14 mark, which then segues into a gloriously atmospheric, single-note guitar solo before returning to “Smile”’s ambient ear-worm of a refrain. From there, the group power-chugs through the main riff four more times for good measure before stopping on a dime at just over three minutes long. Wolf Alice is easily one of the most creative and forward-thinking rock outfits around – prepare to be amazed!
Upon its release, 2021’s Blue Weekend was believed by many to be the pinnacle of Wolf Alice’s already-impressive recorded catalogue and “Smile” shines a commanding light on all of the band’s strengths: power, conviction, musical chops, and emotional honesty. This stunning sonic rebuke of those who make assumptions and pass judgement provides ample evidence that it’d be best to NOT piss off frontwoman Ellie Rowsell! Whether “Smile” is your first exposure to Wolf Alice, or just another example of why this British group is one of the best rock outfits around these days, you’ll want to swing by Spotify to check out their full catalog: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3btzEQD6sugImIHPMRgkwV
Also, be sure to visit https://wolfalice.co.uk to learn about upcoming tour dates, watch videos from the band, and pick up officially licensed Wolf Alice merch!
Set It Off “Dangerous” and Wolf Alice “Smile” are available for $1.99 each.
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*Please note that this week’s DLC tracks will be available for purchase on Thursday, February 2nd.