A Sweet Sting: The Wolff Sisters and the Last Calvary EP
The Wolff Sisters are like a perfect storm. A collection of different elements come together to create this swirling cyclone of heated voice and instrument and sonically powered passion that just works. It just works so well. The three sisters fronting the now 6 piece band interplay their varied voices in beautiful harmonies and swap lead duties from tune to tune. It’s not quite folk rock, its not quite “the blues” but the sound that these three sisters have managed to cultivate by mixing the three differing dynamics and musical aesthetics is truly impressive.
The new 3 track EP from the gals features a full band with a solid based rhythm section of Michael Gluszack on drums and Jacob Jones on bass, upon which they sprinkle some delicious organ and keys parts from JennHwan Wong. Swirling warm tinkering sounds that add a whole new texture on top of Kat Wolff’s parts. It really fills up the space and creates layers of sound that you can really burrow yourself into.
The first two tracks are fronted by Rachael Wolff and she infuses the blues influence into the band with her guitar playing that seems heavily influenced by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayall and Albert King. The girl can f*cking rip on that Fender Stratocaster of hers. At times her voice takes on a dead pan Courtney Barnett-esque vibe in the lead in track “Honey Whiskey”, but with a tinge of twang ala Lucinda Williams. There is a lonesome feel to her voice that creates a cavernous quality for you to jump into the story. Instrumentally I get some comparisons to Houndmouth. The arrangement of that first track is perfect in how it leaves space when the harmonies vocals kick in and picks right back up into the flirting between keys and guitar riffing, then it lays back down again, with its impact lingering.
‘All These Tears” is a bit more tender. The vocals really shine here. Its quite amazing how three very different voices can join together and create this gorgeous palette. The light and airy piano parts of sister Kat dot the swooping vocals of Rachel and the icing is those harmonies…oh the harmonies.
The final of EP trifecta is a tune taken by Rebecca. She has a soul and bluesy tendency to her voice. Etta James meets Shania Twain. Or Nina Simone meets Bonnie Raitt. Maybe that isn’t quite right, but there is a mix of deep blues and polished country to her vocal. She has the soulfulness that is burning deep down in her chest but it comes across smooth and sweet…but when needed she can unleash that fury and her range is not to be messed with.
The girls write tunes that are catchy, but introspective and meaningful on a personal level that leaves the song open to interpretation for its listeners. As with many songs in this indie rock meets alt-country realm, the themes often dabble on the relationship side of things and seem to be autobiographical narratives of the ups and downs of young love. What is most striking about their music is their ability to take three different voices and melt them into one really beautiful collective sound that is a true balance from the sum of its parts. Call it something that only siblings can do or understand, it just makes for good music.
As the lead in track from their newly released EP states “sweet til it’s gone”, 3 tracks is just enough to give you a taste of The Wolff Sisters music, but leaves you begging for a bit more.
