A Refreshing Release

Wolf Parade has released another album after returning last year from a hiatus that started in 2011. Cry Cry Cry is the band’s fourth full-length album released since their start in 2003.

For the most part, Cry Cry Cry lives up to what is expected in an indie-rock album; however, the first track on the album sets the scene for a different sound than what is found throughout the album. When the album starts, it seems that Wolf Parade is offering a darker sound, but the rest of the tracks on the album tend to go against this precedent. That’s not to say “Lazarus Online” isn’t a solid track, the contrast can just be a little off-putting for a listener.

“You’re Dreaming” is the next track on the album and it is one of the more stand-out songs. Right off the bat, it offers a sound that doesn’t quite get replicated in the other tracks on the album, setting it apart. This track has a lot of keys and drums that make it easy to find yourself wanting to move around and dance while playing it, unlike the previous track that seemed darker. While it has an upbeat feel to it, it is reminiscent of an angstier time when bands were trying their hardest to sound like The Cure.

A completely different vibe is offered in the next track, “Valley Boy.” The vocals have moved from a Robert Smith feel to one that is similar to Nick 13 of Tiger Army with a little less rasp to it. The guitars have more of a relaxed and beachy feel to them, which fits perfectly into this track as a whole. This track feels very polished while continuing to offer an edgy feel to it as well.

“Baby Blue” is a little later in the album and offers yet another sound by starting off with a very dramatic organ. The drums really stand out on this track as a strong suit for Wolf Parade. “Baby Blue” features some of the best vocals on the album as well by really showcasing the unique sound the vocals possess.

Mostly, the change in vibes throughout the album really work for Wolf Parade, but “Who Are Ya” slightly missed the mark in that it is so far off from the rest of the album that it doesn’t really feel like part of Cry Cry Cry as a whole. This track has many interesting qualities to it, but it just doesn’t feel like part of the cohesive album.

Wolf Parade did a good job with Cry Cry Cry in the sense that it doesn’t seem repetitive when listening to it. Each track offers its own quirk to the album, making for a refreshing release in the world of indie-rock.