Wolf Club is back for the second time this summer with the stunning synthpop / synthwave / indie rock masterpiece, “Just Drive (Part 2)!” We’ve been incredibly excited for this release since we learned it was coming this summer – and it looks like we weren’t the only ones! It just dropped today and is already peaking on the bandcamp and iTunes charts!
Filled with fantastic vocals from Dora Pereli and Jaki Nelson, “Just Drive (Part 2)” answers the call of fans clamoring for more after their “Just Drive (Part 1)” earlier this summer. But “Just Drive (Part 2)” doesn’t just give fans more of the same. While Wolf Club retains their signature synthpop / indie rock/ synthwave sound, they mix it up on this album just enough to keep things sounding new and refreshing.
Releasing a two or three-part album is a tricky thing, especially when the releases are only months apart. Many artists who go this route end up releasing more of a collection of 20 tracks than two separate albums, and I’m extremely pleased to hear that each album really does sound and feel different than the other.
Steve Wilcoxson, half of Wolfclub, also related in a recent interview that they tinkered with the idea of making “Just Drive” a trilogy, but now “… I don’t know if that would work, because I think – given the sort of direction of the latest few demos after Part 2 – I’m not entirely sure if it would fit.” They also related that they really tried to turn it up to 11, saying “Most of our songs are usually about escape – which everyone needs at the moment – driving away, great nights, skies, stars. All of that imagery that gets pushed a little further.”
With “Just Drive (Part 2)” we hear a bit of less emphasis on indie rock, and more of an emphasis on the synthwave and electronic sound. However, the album is still grounded soundly in those wonderfully catchy signature pop vocals – “California Days (feat. Dora Pereli)” is probably one of the catchiest tracks we’ve heard all summer!
Laid over the amazing blend of pop and synthwave with a hint of indie rock influence is an incredible twist of nostalgia that only a seasoned retro band like Wolf Club can muster. It gives every track on “Just Drive (Part 2)” a floating, ethereal quality that feels incredibly wistful and instantly memorable.
Just Drive (Part 1) and Just Drive (Part 2) perfectly compliment one another, taking the Wolf Club sound to new heights. We can’t wait to see what’s coming next – though after a double release it’s probably some time away. For now, just make sure you grab a physical release if you want one – because they’re going fast!
Grab a listen here.
