Hello everybody, welcome back to the No Skip Show! Today, we have something a little different for you, but something I bet you will all enjoy! As you know, one of the main goals for our channel is to build up the local scene however we’re able to do it, whether it's through our interview series, photoshoots, reviews, etc., we try to get the artists out to the masses. And, that’s exactly what we’re doing today with introducing you to Pittsburgh's very own Nowhere Wolves!

Now I have to admit that I haven’t heard of this project before they reached out to us but that's the majesty of the local scene. Bands and artists can pop up at any given time but from that moment on you will be aware of them forever. I can say for certainty I am definitely glad I am aware of Nowhere Wolves now and the music they have released so far. The goal of this is not only to introduce you to this fledgling act, but also show you what unique music they have been working on recently.

As of this writing the band only has two EPs, ten songs in total, out on streaming right now with hopefully much more on its way. Their self-titled debut EP would be released November 13th of 2024, being recorded live at local Pittsburgh venue/bar, the Poetry Lounge. Their second, and most recent, release came just a little over a week ago on February 6th of this year, titled Take the Honeyed Hand, with the release show being at Moondogs, another local Pittsburgh bar/venue. Both works encapsulate what the band and their sound is all about, but to varying creative degrees, each giving off that fun, DIY, no fucks given attitude.

Being self described as “glam-funk-post-punk” by vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and mastermind, J. Trafford, each EP definitely lives up to those labels. The rest of the band, being a sort of supergroup formed from the ashes of three separate local bands, consists of Candrika Rice on bass, Paul Bradley on drums, and Wes Alden on electric violin, yes you read that right. With each track you can hear where each member shines and gives the music their own personal flair, especially with the violin on their second EP that is prevalent throughout each track.

Now that you know the band, it's time to know more about what they produced. Even if they had more than ten songs I would tell you to listen to every single one, but the fact that they have only ten songs means you have absolutely no reason not to, you would only be hurting yourself in the end. When I tell you it's quite a listening experience, it really is in the best way possible. Their first EP being something reminiscent of the best parts of west coast underground surf rock and DIY punk, partially due to the live recording, married with late 70s jam bands, psychedelic rock, and all the best experimental parts, Atone itself sounding very Santana-esque mixed with Sinatra like vocals. They even graciously did an amazing cover of Aretha Franklin’s Respect, with Trafford's own impressive, belting vocal flair. The bass as well throughout the entire project is so in your face and pivotal but without overpowering the other members, something I largely appreciate being a bassline enthusiast.

For a very first time introduction into a new local band I was blown away with the musicianship and quality each member had, that all being immediately outdone on their recent release. Going a little less DIY punk and surfer rock, Take the Honeyed Hand seems to fully play into the more psychedelic, smoother, groovy, jazz like, 70s influence. When you’re greeted right away with the track Teachable Moments it's like you took a blast to the past and started listening to a mashup of Peter Frampton and Mel Torme, the Velvet Fog himself. Like I said previously, for a seemingly brand new local band, the production, vocals, and overall feel of this release is astoundingly good. It is a perfect example of just because a band can be on the biggest label and record in the most expensive studio doesn’t mean they’ll release a masterpiece. J. Trafford and the rest of Nowhere Wolves should be immensely proud of what they’ve released so far. The violin being a new addition to this EP couldn’t have been a better choice as it adds so much, matching perfectly with Trafford's hauntingly beautiful vocals and Rice’s constant, groove-filled bass.

To say I was impressed right off the bat is an understatement, and for a band that I could’ve seen in person at how many shows?! These are songs artists back in the day would be jealous to hear and produce, I cannot recommend checking out Nowhere Wolves enough! As always, thanks for reading and happy listening!

If you want to know where you can find or support this awesome band outside of music streaming, here is a link to J. Trafford's website!

https://trafford.estate/