Adelaide alt-rock act Wolf & Chain unveiled a new era on Friday with the release of their new single Phantom.
Known for penning dark, aggressive and chaotic pop anthems, the quartet embrace a more refined mindset and a freshly sharpened sound on Phantom, showcasing the growth they've undertaken over the past few years by weaving in a notably more mature and accessible sound.
Drawing inspiration from a transformative experience, Phantom was born out of the band's time at a secluded farm, where they retreated to record demos and immerse themselves in the creative process. During their stay, the band members fell ill and encountered a dark, looming presence that influenced their songwriting. The result is a haunting and powerful track that documents their journey of self-discovery, defying the challenges they have each faced.
Collaborating with Josh Meyer of Those Who Dream played a significant role in creating Phantom, offering the band a fresh perspective and pushing their boundaries. The track represents a pivotal moment for Wolf & Chain as they emerge from the shadows and embrace this new direction.
The song's intricate layers and arrangements have the band blending their alt-rock characteristics with a fresh pop sensibility. Each element serves a purpose, from the pulsating palm-muted guitars that punctuate the verses with the thumping bass kick and electronic snare that drive the rhythm forward. The chorus unleashes a wall of guitars, perfectly complementing the cathartic vocal delivery of lead singer Jack Cumes. The bridge erupts in a signature Wolf & Chain style before they pull the cord to a steadfast palm-muted guitar and kick drum. With a massive full-band crescendo, the band see the song out with a vindicating final chorus.
To celebrate the release of Phantom and the beginning of the new era of Wolf & Chain, vocalist Jack Cumes put together a list of artists that inspired Phantom.
The Artists Who Inspired Wolf & Chain's Phantom
100 gecs
"I've been a huge fan of 100 gecs for a while. I've always been so inspired by how they push boundaries and create such tasty earworms. I’m such a big fan of the way they blend genres, they are an act I am constantly surprised by."
Daine
"I recently came across Daine and have been hooked ever since. I've been so inspired by her blend of textures and really solid lyricism. Blending pop and heavier genres, she really made me take notice with songs like ‘SALT feat. Oli Sykes'."
Creeper
"Creeper are a band that do theatrics and concepts so well, it's truly inspiring. Opening for them in Melbourne last year, we got to see the band up close and personal. Needless to say, they gave an amazing live show and had the room in the palm of their hand."
Fall Out Boy
"With such an iconic discography, It's hard not to be inspired by Fall Out Boy. Their lyrics, in particular, have been something I’ve always been fascinated by, they have such an ability to make a melancholic mouthful into a banging pop chorus."
Death Cab for Cutie
"Death Cab has been a band that has inspired a lot of the way I think about the writing for Wolf & Chain going forward. They have such a mature voice in their songwriting, their melodies can be so simple and delicate, but the words can punch through you like a sledgehammer."
Wolf & Chain - Phantom is out now.
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