EP Review: Mind Wolf – Chalet (Self Released)

Formerly known as Bird of Prey, the powerhouse trio that Mind Wolf is the brainchild of brothers Jan and Sam, with their cousin Arne completing the lineup. Together, they’ve been crafting their unique sounds since 2013. Their new EP, ‘Chalet’, is out now.

As far as I can remember, this is my first taste of Mind Wolf and let me start this review by telling you, it won’t be the last. Five tracks long, Chalet is everything I love about grungy stoner rock that has been warped by the desert sun and comes at me under the influence of many psychedelics. It moves and it freaking grooves in all the best ways, and stands out as an EP of the year contender already.

All because of dirty and sexy numbers such as Love Without a Home, which hums with groovy passion. The first of several unforgettable bangers, setting the bar, for the crunchy riff-driven head banger that is Like a Song to come along and meet it. The power of this track comes from a guitar and drum combo that has heft. Then along comes Hanne Desmet to make the Mind Wolf experience that little bit trippier. It’s weird, but it is mightily compelling.

That’s Chalet for you though, a very compelling EP, and the ‘good vibes’ are still strong as Just Don’t keeps the weirdness front and centre for something that is surprisingly anthemic. Watch out though, it has got a bit of bite and culminates in a wild guitar solo.

Finally, it’s Seduction and with big riffs, sultry vocals, groovy hooks, and a layer of fuzz covering everything, few won’t find themselves enamoured with what they’re hearing here. A banging finale on a banging EP.

Mind Wolf – Chalet Track Listing:

1. Love Without a Home
2. Like a Song
3. Hanne Desmet
4. Just Don’t
5. Seduction

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