The process of reinvention when things seem to be at their peak, or at least near the top of a wave about to crest, is a funny thing, and more easily said than done. But Wild Pink is nothing if not a soul-searching journey, the perfect outlet for frontman and band leader John Ross, and a reinvigorated sense of purpose grips a roaring new single.
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Stream: “The Fences of Stonehenge” – Wild Pink
Fans of Wild Pink have been treated to one of the more delightful sonic rides in recent memory.
There’s the band’s self-titled 2017 debut, which traced the waves of early Death for Cab Cutie, there’s the powerful-yet-delicate 2018 highway skyline of the critically acclaimed Yolk in the Fur, followed by the expansive, gripping A Billion Little Lights, where songs flowed as smooth as an upstate river, one into the next.
And on 2022’s ILYSM, Ross sang of grappling with cancer, love and self-doubt, at the same time grappling with some of the harsh realities of the music industry itself. A slew of impressive singles, EPs and one-off releases have followed, including this spring’s lush “Air Drumming Fix You,” along with collaborative releases like an appearance by Ross on Wyatt C. Louis’ “Oh Vibrant Sky.”
So, where does all of this leave Wild Pink?
Apparently, more recharged and reinvigorated than ever, at least if propulsive new single “The Fences of Stonehenge” is any indication. The release heralds the arrival of new LP Dulling the Horns, but there’s hardly anything dull about the rocked-out, revved-up nature of its lead single.
The new LP is set to release October 4th on Fire Talk Records, bringing Wild Pink suitably into a new chapter – if an early listen is to be believed (and it should be), this record could contend with among the best releases of the year.
“The Fences of Stonehenge” already heralds a return to the group’s more direct, sharper early days. Whereas 2018’s Yolk in the Fur feels like a warm summer breeze tracing its way across your patio over top an icy cold bottle of Miller High Life, the new album’s lead single is the sort of track that might capture your attention in a crowded, buzzing bar (or a nicely sized indie venue, rather).
Ross grapples with notions of what Wild Pink – and indeed, himself – can be, or has been, searching for a light that “comes from a million miles away,” reassured by the notion that “we get a little every day.”
Perhaps the most impressive part about the rich, rocking single – best played loud – is its immense sound amid waves of guitar. It harkens back in a way to ‘90s alternative, perhaps even Dinosaur Jr. at its best.
But Ross’ inquisitive, steady voice, never wavering, always seems to guide the song along in smooth fashion – to say it’s an intoxicating listen for longtime fans of Wild Pink is an understatement.
There’s a light that no one else can touch
When I saw it in your face
I thought it was a little much
There’s a light, I’m going after it
Despite the fact
I’m still sick of all my shit
There’s thunder rolling down the track
Do you still believe that?
Don’t know when I left the path
Gone and never coming back
Ross looks forwards and backwards, seemingly all around searching for flashes of “a light that no one else can touch,” and all the while, a quest for that light guides the way forward.
Ross sings – atop a buzzing wash of fiery guitars – in a seeming question or an aside to himself, or a nod to others who’ve come before him: “I heard it should be easy, I’m always searching.”
Certain Wild Pink tracks have the quality of a lilting lullaby, or again, a warm summer’s breeze, yet “The Fences of Stonehenge” is enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
I heard it should be easy
I’m always searching
The light comes from a million miles away
And we get a little every day
You had lightning in a bottle then
Do you still believe it?
How long can you phone it in?
Thought you were above it
I’m glad you were asleep there
Made a life out of a detour
The track rocks and rolls powerfully along – a true toe-tapper and a surefire new favorite of wannabe “air guitarists” everywhere, this writer included. It never feels too heavy or menacing – rather, there’s a sense of empowerment, a challenge to one’s self, that courses through the song like an electric charge.
The track asks if you still have it in you, if you’re up to the challenge and up to the power of belief. Based on this gripping, rather stunning reintroduction to Wild Pink, the answer is a resounding yes.
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Stream: “The Fences of Stonehenge” – Wild Pink
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