Finally got around to checking out Bitter Bones, the third album by Norwegian post-hardcore group Wolves Like Us. Formed in 2010, this fearsome Oslo four-sum take their cues from the gruff and hairy melodic hardcore of the mid-to-late ‘90s, folding together the skronky, compact bursts of Planes Mistaken for Stars, with the groovy whiskey-throated churn of Hot Water Music, to produce a muscular brand of hard-hitting punk that upper-cuts just above its own weight class. I’ve always had a soft spot for Scandinavian punk and Wolves Like Us once again delivers just what I’m after in a lean, mean-ass modern rock album. Bitter Bones start out promisingly with the cold burn of “Stay Cold” with its rolling avalanche of summit smashing guitar riffs and bright, vista revealing leads. If you want more churning guitar blister, look to the sludgy grooves and wind-whipped melodies of “I Can’t Love You Wild.” If you need something punchier, the roaring thunder of “Oil Money” will help get your blood pumping, as will the low growly, climbing grooves and blustery dust swept chorus harmonies of “Ash Wednesday.” Finally, things wrap up tightly with the rushing glare of the piss rinsed “Stand Up to Get Down.” This pack goes right for the kill! Don’t miss your chance to share in the spoils.
Snag a copy over at Pelagic Records here. And if you tell them that I sent you... it will do absolutely nothing for you. I'm sorry I have no pull over there.