hunter & wolfe - “Last Time”

Brooklyn-based duo hunter & wolfe insist that they don’t take themselves too seriously, but after pressing play on their new single, “Last Time,” we simply do not believe them.

While the video that accompanies “Last Time” may border the edge of playfulness, the track itself is nothing but master craftsmanship. It begins very sparsely in its arrangement, with just an electric piano and vocals, but the vibe is something that will resonate with most listeners– last time was the last time, but then you do it again anyway, kind of like the way you’ll keep pressing play on this song.

As the track progresses, more elements are added, such as some synthy strings and a tight rhythm that pushes the song forward. With the addition of these new sounds, however, the duo also reveal some of their influences, and we hear a bit of Elliott Smith in here, as well as Villagers and The Beatles. And at the one-minute mark, this song opens up into quite the magical production, with what sounds like a melodically distorted bass line and a falsetto that spoon-feeds us the refrain.

In its four-minute-and-twenty-second duration, “Last Time” takes listeners on a dynamic and scenic journey through a soundscape of highs and lows, twists and turns, and proof that the duo know how to write a song. They take some risks here, such as the delicate piano break on the back half, but we are completely here for it, especially when they bring the whole thing home by tacking on another one of those glorious hooks.

For more of their infectious vibe, check out another one of their piano-driven tunes: “Famous Friends.” Though they do not mention him as an influence, the duo are certainly conjuring the mood of John Lennon, which makes sense since they are such big fans of Elliott Smith. We are delighted to be sharing their music on our blog and we will be spending the rest of the day perusing their back catalogue.

-TM