ALBUM REVIEW: Secrets – Written By Wolves

New Zealand rockers WRITTEN BY WOLVES have already performed with huge artists such as MACHINE GUN KELLY, LIMP BIZKIT and FALLING IN REVERSE to name but a few, amassing 13 million total plays, so there’s a lot riding on their debut album Secrets.

They are a consistent band, with themes of secrecy (obviously), running away from your problems and mental health sprinkled throughout the album. It’s a very detailed album, with songs linking into each other and flowing in. A good example of this is album opener Start The Fire/Let It Burn. Atmospheric isolated harmonies that have been auto-tuned builds and peaks and launches into Let It Burn. It’s details like this that most bands don’t pay attention to; especially on debut outings.

Tell Me What You’re Running From is angry. Full of passion and breakdowns, it was the perfect song on the album to release as a lead single. It showcases the bands talents; such as the powerhouse that is Michael Murphy‘s vocal range, Davie Wong and Bahador Bohani‘s guitar skills and Karl Woodhams‘ drumming expertise as well as Oli Lyons‘ percussion. The title track Secrets is bound to be a show closer. It’s almost reminiscent of DON BROCO‘s Pretty, with catchy lyrics and electronic distorted guitars and a steady drum through out the song. The breakdown is filled with Michael‘s screaming and Karl‘s drumming is exceptional on this track.

Album stand outs include the monster track, Better Luck Next Time. It’s a blood pumping, tongue in cheek anthem, filled with sarcastic lyrics with Michael almost taunting the listener (“better luck next time”). It’s a middle finger to those who doubted them. Forever Always is almost like titles rolling at the end of a film; which is perfect as it is the album’s closing track. It’s incredibly cinematic. Dark and passionate with a piano that swells and builds until it explodes, showing the talent of this band. The repeating lyrics are  “this is the end of the world” which build and build unto it is sharply cut off as Michael Murphy croons “this is the end of the-“. It’s a powerful and impactful way to bring the record to a close.

This amazing debut album will most likely be the first time people are exposed to this band. The album is very long, with 13 tracks, two of which clock in at over five minutes long. So, it may be a drag to get through some but WRITTEN BY WOLVES do hold the listeners attention with synths weaved into their brand or rock music. With Secrets, WRITTEN BY WOLVES are establishing themselves as one of the best upcoming bands this year. They deserve all the attention that they will inevitably get from this stellar release.

Rating: 8/10

Secrets is set for release on November 8th via Tenfold Records.

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