The Republic of Wolves – The Cartographer EP
Release Date: January 1, 2011
Record Label: Simple Stereo
It's one thing to burst onto the music scene and make a mark, it's even harder to keep the momentum - especially these days. Some people are just meant to keep writing with or without an industry. The Republic of Wolves wrote so much material after their debut EP, that they ended up making an album and another EP with it. The primary difference in the division of the songs is that Mason Maggio wrote most of Varuna while Gregg DellaRocca wrote most of The Cartographer EP. Thus, they are truly two different journeys dealing with similar issues.
One thing is clear then, both men have different, yet similar lyrical prowess. DellaRocca's writing style is very straightforward and confronting, whereas Maggio's style is a bit more poetic. Still, the band as a whole is quite solid in their delivery of whichever story they are crier-ing throughout their music. The Cartographer EP delivers just a little quicker than its lengthy sibling.
The Republic of Wolves are very well rounded in crafting easy flowing songs. "Calm Down" delivers an airy background and held back rhythmic presence - just enough. The keys and duel vocals carry this one beautifully along. The story's mid-album of "Widow's Walk" and "India" is where the band combines their brute force with their best tendencies to layer every single one of their harmonies: vocals, guitars, and keys. This is where the band really shines, in their use of dark epic swirl and gentle moments of clarity fighting each other. Once again the production is stellar in mixing the two sides, and really drives the album home.
As "The Dead Men Stood Together" closes out in chorus with everything in the studio just thrown at it, the ship finally sinks, and there's a few final muffled, simplistically stripped last words that eventually get cut off. Another story of fear, faith and love is wrapped up by one of today's best underrated bands. With two EPs and a very strong full-length behind them, there's no better time than now for the band to hit their mark. The Cartographer EP is another hit of an album, something a few people forgot how to write, but are slowly learning to do again.
Mason sings lead on India, Gregg Andrew sings lead on every other song. Mason has the deeper voice, Gregg Andrew has the slight accent.
On Varuna, Mason sings lead on everything but The Attic.
this is true. although, on "The Cartographer" mason also sings lead on the verses of "The Dead Men Stood Together" and the intro and second verse of "Widow's Walk." and on "Varuna" gregg sings lead on the chorus of "Grounded, I Am Traveling Light" and the bridge of "You Missed The Point."
hope that clears things up!
thanks for the support, everyone! and thanks for the awesome review, adam!
I've been hooked on this band ever since the Brand New incident, and this album only adds to the addiction. Now all I need is a live performance. . .
(It would be awesome to see them at the Bamboozle)
this is true. although, on "The Cartographer" mason also sings lead on the verses of "The Dead Men Stood Together" and the intro and second verse of "Widow's Walk." and on "Varuna" gregg sings lead on the chorus of "Grounded, I Am Traveling Light" and the bridge of "You Missed The Point."
hope that clears things up!
thanks for the support, everyone! and thanks for the awesome review, adam!
You the man, but you forgot that Gregg sings the bridge in Oarsman too...and you're in the band!
And we both forgot to mention that you do the screaming.
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