Since I saw him at Glasslands last year, Max McElligott, otherwise known as Wolf Gang (@wolfgang), has been firmly stationed on my radar. An impressive multi-instrumentalist, McElligott has an incredible stage presence and great dynamic with his live band. Though he doesn’t currently have any US dates listed, he’s been making the rounds at SXSW and has one final showcase remaining:
3/19 – New Shapes (Neon Gold/Chess Club/Communion) at Gym Club (5:15 pm)
His new EP, available on March 15th from Elektra Records, will include the singles “Lions in Cages” and “Dancing With The Devil”, a few additional demos, and an alternate version of “Dancing With The Devil” that features London’s Kyla La Grange. Written and performed entirely by McElligott, the new EP captures the David Bowie and Talking Heads style and influence that flowed from his previous singles. This style is even more obvious when paired with his recent music video for “Lions in Cages”.
With each of his releases, McElligott has an incredibly innate ability to create pop hooks and arresting melodies without sacrificing a decidedly unpolished and raw feel. Though I would certainly like to see a full release from Wolf Gang, I suppose I don’t mind being satiated with a few singles.
