Written By Wolves – The Collab Project (Album Review)
Written By Wolves – The Collab Project
Released: September 17, 2021
Lineup:
Michael Murphy // vocals
Davie Wong // guitar
Bahador Borhani // guitar
Karl Woodhams // drums
Oli Lyons // percussion, samples, electronic wizardry
Online:
New Zealand rock band Written By Wolves have unleashed a new mental health initiative titled The Collab Project. While the project is a reimagining of tracks from the band’s 2019 release, Secrets, for this edition they’ve teamed up with some of the industry’s biggest bands, from P.O.D. to Sleeping With Sirens. While I previously haven’t been exposed to the band before, after listening to this, I thoroughly enjoyed what Written By Wolves are producing and will most definitely be paying more attention to the band from now on.
The first notable collab here features P.O.D. lead vocalist Sonny Sandoval, who adds a layered vocal element on this thumping blend of nu-metal rock. While ‘Better Luck Next Time’ opens up the project nicely with its melodic grooves, it really is ‘Secrets’ that is an astounding standout here. What a punchy tune.
In between these bangin’ collaborations, The Collab Project also includes a collective of stories from fans and friends of the band about mental health struggles. They were pretty heavy to hear however, ‘Lucky Stars’ made for the perfect segue inbetween. It’s a heartfelt tune of utmost gratitude, changing the overall tempo of the release midway through. An uplifting soundtrack of alluring pop featuring an incredible duet with Sydney Rae White of The Wild Things, the song’ll make you feel many emotions all at once.
Easily the biggest collaboration on The Collab Project though is ‘Help Me Through the Night’. With Sleeping With Sirens’ Kellin Quinn all over it, you can bet that this one is the fan favourite. Drawing us in with softer pop melodies before building into an ever infectious emo/rock riff over the chorus, this one sits up there with some of the biggest bands in the scene.
Rounding off the project is a pure New Zealand collaboration with fellow Kiwi musician Becks. ‘Forever & Always’ is a heartfelt, emotional, inspiring pop anthem that I feel like mainstream radio outlets would be all over. A love song for the ages, ‘Forever & Always’ is a beautiful tune that will no doubt have you thinking about reaching out to your significant other when you just can’t deal with shit anymore.
I genuinely loved the concept that Written By Wolves have produced here. Acting as a way to keep fans at bay while they come with newer material, the songs featured here helps bring to light the stigma behind mental health in an everyday situation and encourages us all to speak up on an everyday basis. The Collab Project is a super cool, honest and uplifting music collective that highlights the all-too important issue of mental health. Listening to the stories featured definitely brings up some heavy emotions, but hopefully the music thrown in here will induce some much needed inspiration to speak up about what’s going on inside your head rather than staying silent.
Remember. There’s always someone willing to listen to you, no matter what.
If you or anyone you know needs help with their own mental well-being call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or find your closest Suicide Prevention/Crisis Support Organisation on Google…
Written By Wolves – The Collab Project tracklisting:
1. Better Luck Next Time (featuring Trenton Woodley)
2. Secrets (featuring Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D.)
3. Our Stories
4. Lucky Stars (featuring Sydney Rae White of The Wild Things)
5. Hope
6. Help Me Through the Night (featuring Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens)
7. Forever & Always (featuring Becks)
Rating: 8/10
The Collab Project is out tomorrow. Pre-save here
Review by Tamara May @citylightstam
