Having made their full-length debut with 2019’s ‘Secrets’, Written By Wolves has emerged as one of the most exciting bands to emerge from New Zealand. They followed it up with 2021’s ‘The Collab Project’ EP, which saw them work with the likes of Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens and Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. to share a platform for mental health support. This week sees the Auckland-based band unleash ‘Secrets’ much-anticipated follow-up – ‘The Lighthouse’.
Never a band to do things half-cooked, Written By Wolves deliver a bold, genre-blending concept record that picks up where its predecessor left off. Having ventured into the dark with intrusive thoughts and feelings last time out, ‘The Lighthouse’ sees the quartet crawl out from under, finding comfort in the process.
With assistance from producer Gladius James (Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony), ‘The Lighthouse’ sees Written By Wolves spread their creative wings to create a collection of impactful songs. Tracks such as ‘Give ‘Em Hell’ and ‘Misery’ thrive in their lyrical determination and bold hard rock delivery. Fittingly, ‘Burn’ ignites with dense riffs and catchy chorus. The same can be said for ‘Take Me Home’, highlighting the quartet’s flair for favourable hooks. While its title track is emotionally crushing, drawing you in its powerful balladic tone. As a collection, ‘The Lighthouse’ sees Written By Wolves take you on a cinematic and energetic journey of rediscovery.
While nearby Australia is often cited as one of alternative music’s hotspots, Written By Wolves is part of a pack of New Zealand-based acts that are making waves at home and abroad. We asked Written By Wolves vocalist Michael Murphy to pick out five essential bands (and songs) from his homeland that you need to hear.
Banks Arcade – Be Someone
We just toured with these guys. They’re amazing lads, super hardworking and doing incredible things musically.
Their entire catalogue is insane but I chose this song because it was stuck in my head for weeks after the tour finished. The “hell froze when you walked in” section in this song is so good. I’m kinda jealous I didn’t write it myself.
Crooked Royals – Ill Manor
Crooked Royals are a band that we get the pleasure of playing with as often as possible! I love the dynamic of the two vocalists and the epic light and shade they bring. Once again check out their entire catalogue, it’s so good!
Vana – BEG!
Vana is relatively new but is absolutely blowing up right now, so it’d be a good idea to jump on board right now before she takes over the world. We’re fortunate she’s an artist we have had the pleasure of playing with a lot recently.
Coridian – Redefine feat. Jessie Booth (Ekko Park)
Coridian are epic and lovely lads to boot as well. Three brothers make up the band with an amazing little firecracker by the name of Dity in the front.
I chose this track as it’s a two for one deal as it features Jessie Booth, who is also the guitarist of Ekko Park. They’re another amazing band full of beautiful, lovely people.
Everyone on this list are genuine, amazing human beings. It’s not a hard and fast rule that you’re not allowed to be a dick if you’re in a NZ band but it helps!
Capital Theatre – Taste The Flame
I’ve known these guys for a long time. Their vocalist, Adam (Stevenson), was in my previous band, 5Star Fallout. These guys are epic and we have joined forces to throw a double album release show on August 2nd. It’s going to be amazing, you should consider popping over to NZ for it, if you’re not going to be here already.
‘The Lighthouse’ by Written By Wolves is out now.
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