Great Howl - “Meet Your Maker”
Austin, Texas-based Great Howl have just released the epic “Meet Your Maker.” The song feels like a grand voyage that explores fantastic retro tones, building grooves, and musical contrasts.
The song opens with a dark, almost unsettling soundscape before a strong, forceful drum pattern begins to relentlessly push the song forward. The bass animates the groove with thick, low tones which will get your head moving. Over the verses, the vintage tones are really brought to life by menacing low and sustained piano notes. They nicely punctuate the bar of the song with tones that linger, giving introspection to the whole arrangement. The inclusion of cello and strings enhances this atmosphere whilst giving an elegance and class. As I write this, I keep wanting to compare the song to “We Love You” by The Rolling Stones, but the songs are two completely different beasts. I think this is due to the similar piano tones and sound scaping.
Like a slow burning fire, the song steadily grows in strength. A change in the drum pattern leads to a vibrant, tom-driven groove. Rising strings provide tension and drama, laying the ground for what follows next. Then comes the eruption, a rush of trumpets that brilliantly contrasts with the prevailing moodiness. The arrangement is given a thoughtful tone by rolling drum fills and higher descending piano arpeggios. This really punctuates the grand, epic aspect to “Meet Your Maker.”
Full of contrasts, the song moves between reflective and joyous sections as it navigates emotional nuances. It builds to its climax, gently drops away, then builds back up again, delivering an emotional rollercoaster with a profound effect. The music finally returns to its mysterious beginnings, reminding the listener of life’s cyclical nature and the uncertainty that it can bring. The vocals hold onto notes with a sense of purpose as they are delivered with unbridled passion, and the nearly yelled nature of the background vocals amplifies the song’s emotional impact.
Great Howl specialise in capturing a special fusion of melancholy and passionate lyrics that touch strongly upon the unsettling truths of contemporary human existence. “Meet Your Maker” does this and more, packing one hell of a punch.
-John Michie