Review: Marrowstone – ‘Dear Wolf,’

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One of the most prevalent word associations surrounding post-hardcore music and its related genres is ‘honest.’ Listeners are given direct access to the life and emotions of the writers and artists who created the music with few barriers or inhibitions. This connection is both powerful and intimidating for bands and listeners alike, and it’s a connection that Marrowstone has initiated on their debut EP, Dear Wolf,.

These songs are the story of someone pushing to move forward. In the first track “A Time to Think and Heal,” a portion of the lyrics read, “It takes a lifetime, blood and sweat, tears fall, but you grow.” These words color this whole album with the understanding that optimism and positivity aren’t inherent, they needs to be fought for, even through loss and betrayal. This EP addresses that fight and the questions and struggles that come with it with an ardent refusal to give up on oneself or others. Similar to bands like Touché Amoré and Citizen, Marrowstone’s sound is defined by harsh and raw vocals, ambient and rhythmic guitars and an intense and straightforward drumming style. Marrowstone’s songs hit hard and demand recognition.

Dear Wolf, is one of the many great things coming out of Tacoma, Washington lately. It was recorded, mixed and mastered by Ahren Lanfor and released independently on May 27, 2016, and then in partnership with We’re Trying Records soon after. Marrowstone’s EP is raw, unrefined, honest and, overall, optimistic. It lays a good foundation for a band that I hope will continue making good music for a long time.

(Dear Wolf, is available for purchase via a name-your-price through Marrowstone’s Bandcamp at marrowstonewa.bandcamp.com. You can sample the EP below.)

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