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It’s been fifteen years since Wolf Parade made their debut with fan fave Apologies to the Queen Mary. Seriously, that album has been a touchstone, a reference point, for any Wolf Parade introduction. However, as in any given creative situation, life happened – line-up changes, different projects, etc., and the gents went on an extended hiatus following the release of Expo 86 (2010). But as keyboardist Spencer Krug and guitarist Dan Boeckner explained to KUTX host Jay Trachtenberg in Studio 1A this afternoon, the core members’ reunion (including drummer Arlen Thompson) was less of a strategic plan and more of an organic evolution. The timing just felt right, and all three musicians were living in Canada again at the same time.
The Montreal band shows a renewed energy on their latest LP, Thin Mind, their fifth full-length release named for the collective shortened attention span resulting from mindless electronic conveniences (at the touch of an app) and social media scrolling. But is it so utterly hopeless? It doesn’t feel that way with these rhythmic, anthemic synth-pop observations of the human condition. It feels more like hope than despair.
Catch Wolf Parade’s show tonight at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, on the outside stage, with opener Land of Talk. And another must-see line-up is happening on Mohawk’s inside stage with Cougar Sweat, Marijuana Sweet Tooth and Lady Dan. Very recommended.
-Photography by Astrid Lyre.
