Bursting out with a teeth-sinking debut single are Adelaide’s freshest theatrical emo/ rock/ punk outfit, Wolf & Chain. In this call to arms in their debut single “Repent”, Wolf & Chain put on display the quintessential of that which defines the best of the emo/ punk rock genre.
Seamlessly, the band have laced together an epic, story-driven track that continues to give something fresh and entertaining until the very last second.
The upbeat intro is warped into a thick, high-gain guitar-driven variation of the verse as frontman Jack Cumes belts out a dramatic performance mixed with crowd-addressing statements, melodic cries and gutsy screams. This gets broken up with some big full-band hits and fast-paced palm muting in the pre-chorus that build into the thrashed-out chorus.
Coming up for air the band use pick-slides and harmonics to transition into the next verse. The following chorus bends out into a bridge, featuring the opening riff played on acoustic guitar backed by on-beat clapping that gets heavier and heavier before busting back into the final chorus.
Although “Repent” is part of a broader concept that will be revealed in the coming months, frontman, Jack Cumes touches on the meaning.
“It’s a call to arms summoning the cult to full formation,” he said, “urging you to repent for what you’ve done and to punish others who do not. The song speaks to a part of me that felt like I needed to redeem myself and to extend that message out to anyone else lacking purpose.”
Despite the fact that Wolf & Chain are just releasing their official debut single, they’ve already entrenched themselves in the alt-scene where they’ve supported the likes of Blindman Death Stare, Bearclaw Camp and Racoon City Police Department.
