Customer Reviews

Wolves

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Idiot Pilot's debut, Strange We Should Meet Here, sounded like a mixture of Radiohead, Postal Service, Blood Brothers and flourishes of hip-hop thrown in for an unexpected sound that seemed to work despite how strange it sounds on paper.

Wolves is an excellent followup, a bit softer overall than Strange We Should Meet Here, most of the tracks sound like the Title Track from Strange, with interchanging sections of soft synths, bleeps and effects laden vocals being suddenly cut by loud guitar and live drums. Much like strange it also closes with a sprawling emotional slow song, one of the best on the album.

The screaming that caused most people to either love or hate Strange We Should Meet Here is cut down to just 2 or 3 tracks on this album (not a single scream until track 4 and just a few there), the guitar still comes thru loud and snarling on many of the tracks. The hip-hop element seems to be mostly dropped as well. The synths seem to have even more of that wonderful 8-bit nintendo quality (I swear thats the old 'Simon Says' lights and noise game being sampled in the song Good Luck) yet not one track has 'too much' of any one thing, and overall the mood of the songs is very positive and hopeful despite the energy and noise.

Overall I highly recomend this album if you are a fan of Strange, even if you arent, you might just want to give them a second chance.

When I heard Idiot Pilot's first release (Strange We Should Meet Here)I was amazed. It was truly unique with sophisticated textures and depth. I eagerly awaited the release of Wolves as it was delayed, knowing that no matter how long it took, it should be worth the wait.

I was not as impressed with the sophomore release from the band. It is far from bad, but they have lost a bit of the uniqueness and settled into more standard forms, perhaps in an attempt to reach a wider listener base. I imagine Wolves will sell better than the album that preceded it, but from a purely artistic point of view, it feels like the band took fewer risks and went with a more refined, if slightly overproduced sound. I am hoping this can be blamed on the producer, and maybe pressures from a major label to generate sales--and no, I am not saying they sold out, just made choices that led them to an album that falls more into an established and traveled road.

For me it was a bit of a let down as I didn't feel the band was pushing any envelopes and showing me something new. I didn't want them to just put out another Strange We Should Meet Here, but to find them venturing into territory already well covered by more mainstream artists isn't what I was hoping for either.

Worth hearing, but I am hoping for more challenging fare from their next project.

I've often heard the idea that AC/DC is distilled rock and I often think of this album as the opposite: a wide swath of hardcore, indie, and alternative music from the last few years: Jimmy Eat World, Deftones, Linkin Park, Autumn to Ashes, and anticipating many more.

My first listen was unimpressive as I thought it was another tasteless attempt to mix all these elements together in some kind of mashup, but increasingly it reminds me more of a pop art experience: a combination of frequently used elements put together that manages to be unique, active, and lush. Additionally, the emotional sweep and power is surprising and moving. The vocal work, careful drums, and well produced structures make for a really impressive combination.

A few flaws evident in the production didn't prevent this from becoming one of my favorite albums and almost constantly in my playlist. Outstanding work.

wolves by idiot pilot is driving music at its pinnacle. there are sounds of radiohead here but far from a mere rip-off. these 2 guys are from washington state and offer a very interesting album that definitely needs to be in your collection on your wall if you own anything by 30 seconds to mars, mars volta, or radiohead. "last chance" is my favorite song off here with "in record shape" not too far behind.

IDIOT PILOT have great pop sensibilities without sounding like a "made for radio band". They sound like a love child from Muse and Cooper Temple Clause, if I had to describe their "sound".

I love everything from The Mars Volta to Otis Redding. This album fits nicely into my "driving records" catagory. Great preperation for work while driving!

Anyway, they have samples to listen to so I suggest you give 'em a try.