REVIEW: Wonderly “Wolves”

Wonderly – Wolves

Wonderly is Portland-based duo (and close, longtime friends) Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk, and they’re gracing music fans with their new release Wolves this week. Easy, closely resonant harmonies and cinematic swells characterize their songs, which range from confessional declarations, to toe tapping merriment, and often a combination of both rolled into one. And always with a high flung, upward moving sustained energy.

The album launches with “Written That Way,” of which Jim Brunberg explains: “An independent filmmaker asked us to write some songs that would support the emotional arc of the two main characters in “Strictly for The Birds” – two septuagenarian lovers, one who had recently transitioned (M to F). The film tells the tale from childhood to present. This is a moment looking back at the journey, hopefully captures the feel of that moment when you finally feel “home” after a long journey and struggle. Really loved these characters and wanted to develop the song into this album track version. Everyone needs to inhabit their natural self, and for some, the barriers are formidable.” “Written That Way” features synth, heartfelt vocals, and sincerity in lines like “It was something inside of me that had to be said / Like a songbird burning in the back of my head / Like a needle pulling on an unseen thread / All my life.”

“Wall of China” accents the duo’s nimble and springy songwriting, with Steve Berlin’s saxophone low in the mix and then soloing later to utmost satisfaction: “Whatever you’re selling I’m not buying / Spare us all the trying / Seems you’re unaware that I’ve got quite a nose for any jive / And there’s a smell about you / I just can’t tell about you / But still I’m sucked in and I crumble when you cry / So even the great Wall of China will fall for a lie.”  This is a song of betrayal, presented in a cinematic style.  Of this song, Jim remarks: “The older I get, the more I sense the transactional nature of relationships creeping into more situations. It’s frustrating, and I wrote this song as a bit of pressure release. I’d like to go into every situation with trust and open heart. But that’s not the real world. Musical pun alert: Right after the lyric “Berlin Wall will fall,” Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) blows a sax solo.”

“No One Has A Name” starts out a capella: “Ridin’ ‘round roads I know / Feelin’ change in the wind / Golden fields, tall grass bends / To find the sun again,” and then there’s guitar melody and the music gradually swells and steps up the pace. And the song is an ode to changing scenes.

“My Damn Self” sets up a bit of a dramatic context, sustained with high frolicking violin and lower tones, harmonies and then, the tale: “You say you know me better than I know my damn self / Well now after taking seconds thirds and fourths / I thought my heart would burst / I couldn’t take one more / But then you came along / And shook me to my foundations / It was the kind of seismic force that can’t be mended / Leaving your heart and soul and body in pieces.”  You can envision this one in a musical. Easily.

“Plaid Pantry” showcases the duo’s high harmonious vocals in a catchy Beatles-esque tune with modern imagery of playing a gig then getting up early to work in the pantry: “I’m saving for something / Not sure just what / I’ll be picking up dinner at the Pizza Hut / Yeah I’m here for a reason / It’s got nothing to do with you / I live my life in this bridgewater town / Playing it close cuz the wolves been a circling around / Just keep on breathing / Working at the Plaid Pantry / Plaid Pantry / Plaid Pantry 7am.” As the duo puts it: “One works at the Plaid Pantry, the other one is robbing the Plaid Pantry. Which one will you feed? Also, what is the Plaid Pantry? ”  Perfect quandary, and thoroughly amusing.

“A World So Kind” features gentle poetic lines and the brightness and shininess that characterizes memorable holiday songs: “Ring the bell / Sing Noel / Write letters to remember / Winter rose / River Flows / Down to see December.” Stay tuned for more of this song this season, certainly.

Wonderly crafts songs that can easily be cast as film or musical soundscapes. And sometimes they are. But whereas musicals often have trite songs, Wonderly offers meaning mixed in within the vicissitudes. They’d fit in indie films showcasing at Sundance. And as an album, the songs are as inspiring as a sunrise.

You can find their music here: https://orcd.co/wolvesalbum

Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: “Songs of Stupid Hope” by Jim Brunberg is the tonic our souls need

The album was recorded and mixed by Jim Brunberg.  Musicians on the album are Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk on various instruments and vocals; with Pete Thomas on drums on “My Damn Self” and “Starf*cker”; Daniel Hunt on drums on “Wall of China,” “New Haven,” and “Never Go Back There Again”; Steve Berlin on sax on “Wall of China”; Paul Brainard on pedal steel on “Never Go Back There Again” and “Dancing with the Devil”; Ron Blessinger on violin on “My Damn Self”; Veronica Sparling on trumpet on “My Damn Self” and “A World So Kind”; Low Bar Chorale on chorus on “A World So Kind”;  Megan Diana on French horn on “A World So Kind”; Dana Sparling on flute on “My Damn Self” and “A World So Kind” ;  and Lisa Lipton on clarinet on “A World So Kind.”