Wolf Pack: local collaboration We're Wolves blend folk, pop, and hip hop
Breaking all the rules and crossing genres, local band We’re Wolves is creating sweet and strong sounds that resonate, mixing folk tendencies with hip-hop. The newly formed crew is celebrating its first official release, a spare song called “River,” and the moody accompanying music video.
We’re Wolves is a supergroup of sorts, comprising local folk musicians Alyssa and Adam Thoms (More Amore, Isle End), rapper Cory Crowell (better known as Fathom), and Justin Webb (Diver Ida).
At their center is an interesting blend of folk, pop, and rap. We’re Wolves focuses on deep emotion, both from the instruments and the lyrics. “The style I try to reach in this band is just words – meaningful words and deep poetics,” Crowell said.
While stylistically different, each member of the group shares a deep love for music. The unlikely ensemble actually formed very organically, beginning with a longtime friendship between Crowell and the Thomses. “We all just started playing music with Justin and we formed the band that way,” Crowell said. “We all just wanted to work together and the sound just happened. Somehow it all works.”
The members of We’re Wolves, who all have extensive musical backgrounds, collectively collaborate on every song. Adam creates chords and melodies on guitar, Alyssa writes and sings vocals, Crowell raps verses, and Webb adds in the percussion.
“Everybody contributes in their own cool style,” Alyssa said. Webb added: “We all sing, we all get howling.”
The creative processes happen in a place the group likes to call “Sword and the Sound,” a mini-studio located in the basement of the Midwest Tattoo shop in Eau Claire. The studio, owned by Webb, is small but impressive, a place where big musical sounds emerge. Once a week, the group gets together to jam and write songs, and they’re on track to record a full album.
Each member has personal histories rooted deep in the city of Eau Claire. “I grew up in EC; I started sneaking into the Stones Throw when I was 17, and I began playing the local bar scene,” Adam said. Their Eau Claire roots are especially evident in the themes of their music. “We talk about real things that happen in this city,” Crowell said. “I think the whole city, at least the whole musical community, is going to be able to relate to this.”
Their first music video for “River” unquestionably incorporates their Wisco vibes. With still shots of celluloid colors, lush greenery, and river, highway, and railroad track views on a gloomy day, the video captures the beauty of the music, and brings it to life. The video was directed by friend and videographer Walter Mueller and his music video production project, Cinedub. “I wanted to make the video as simple as possible, but still engaging,” he said. Mueller said he hopes viewers are able to feel a connection with the video, “especially people from Eau Claire that know the Chippewa River and surrounding area.”
We’re Wolves is looking forward to recording their debut full-length album sometime in the not too distant future. The video for “River” can be viewed on Vimeo. Join them at the Stones Throw on July 30 for their debut, and be sure to howl along.
