Strung Out vocalist Jason Cruz is releasing the new album Wolves from his new album from his outlaw folk project Jason Cruz and Howl on April 7th. The album comes out under his new deal with Liars Club, the new label formed by Amigo the Devil and indie powerhouse Regime Music Group.
Rooted in Americana and dark psychedelic murderfolk, Jason Cruz and Howl flickers like late-night television noir, high on mescaline and American promises. The group’s new album Wolves is a masterclass in storytelling as the songs drift through the air like cigarette smoke and old country radio, shifting gears through Americana, folk, and dark psychedelics as it blurs the lines between genres.
“This record was born of loss. Before the pandemic, I had lost my best friend and bass player, Chris Stein, to cancer. It took me years to start writing a new Howl record again. This new record is a reflection of me not being afraid anymore. I’ve always tried to be that way when it comes to art and music, but with Wolves I felt freer than I ever had before and just embraced it. This album is a reminder nothing ever really dies; it just turns into something else. Sometimes pain can help fuel you creatively, and in turn, guide you out of the darkness. Wolves is a record of healing, taking chances, and a new beginning,” reflects Cruz.
Today Glide is premiering the lyric video for the album’s title track, which encapsulates the dark Western-tinged folk that is the foundation of this project. With a haunting whistle track that brings to mind a cross between a spaghetti western and The X-Files along with galloping acoustic guitar, the song charges forward across the plains. For fans of Cruz’s more intense vocals, this shows his depth and provides a glimpse to his musical alter ego.
Cruz describes the inspiration behind the tune:
The title track of the record is very simple yet driving acoustic song. I resisted adding any drums or other instrumentation to this track because it really had energy and angst all its own. It really didn’t need anything else. It’s a real powerhouse for being so simple.
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