Can Los Angeles afford another band? Do this city need another duo? Probably… The LA duo Howls has just released a new song on Buddyhead Records, their first single since their self-titled record (released last year) and with a new sonic direction, they are ready to conquer the dark nightclubs and beyond. ‘White Noise’ is an impressive dance number, which moves with a fierce energy, a super catchy chorus and Annalee Fery’ child-like and smooth vocals… There is a sort of modern Blondie feeling into it – yes it is this catchy – and a cathartic bombast that will certainly look good on any dance floor.
Christian Stone and Annalee Fery are behind the outfit Howls, and they have known each other for over a decade before finally deciding to make music together. Conceived in their garage studio in Eagle Rock, their debut album was described as ‘stuffed with noise-rock riffs, acoustic meditations and snaking synth squiggles’, but the duo is now preparing the release of their follow up, and it will stand as a turning point in their career.
According to Fery, the inspiration to take their music in a different direction came from the thought that ‘music should be fun sometimes too’… should I also add sexy? Because there is a bit of this in the music. ‘This song started out as an idea at rehearsal and became a staple of our live show as a guitar-based thing,’ says Stone. ‘We tried recording it this way but we weren’t happy with the results at all. So we decided, as an experiment, to bring in Jon [producer Jonathan Siebels]. He stripped away all the ‘traditional’ instrumentation and really focused on synths and programmed drums instead. Suddenly the song made sense!’
But despite the upbeat sound, the lyrics definitively stay on the dark and mysterious side, ‘rag dolls bleed/way down underneath/so please please carry me/while I scream’… the song was written with the intention of raising awareness of children in need as Fery explains:
‘This song is about any and all kids who are hurting and somehow forced into situations that are never suitable for kids. I think everyone should always be aware of this and learn to help by not looking the other way. Having kids myself has taught me as well to care for every lost and hurting child. If I could save them all I would.’
‘Although I’m proud and love how we put together the last record,’ she continues, ‘it’s also challenging to write about real things instead of another love song. Love is good too. This tune — if I can be just one person addressing kids in need — is about compassion for others. As we all walk down the street on our phones, not saying hello or even acknowledging someone with a simple smile….I don’t think people understand the impact that can be made on a kid’s life by just letting them know we care.’
Meaning, Howls is not just another dance duo, and ‘White Noise’ is certainly not another love song. Stream it below: