Seattle’s Wild Powwers are back, and they’re not holding back. Their third full-length album, Skin, produced by Billy Anderson (known for his work with Melvins and Neurosis), and mastered by Ed Brooks (Pearl Jam, REM), solidifies their place in the grunge rock scene. If you’ve ever wondered what it sounds like when “grunge babies” reach their peak, Skin is your answer.
Wild Powwers has built a reputation for raw, energetic performances after touring with bands like The Fall of Troy and Kylesa. They’ve become known for a sound that makes you want to “smash some bottles down by the train tracks,” as Stackked Magazine noted. Now, with Skin, they’re claiming their spot as headliners, delivering an album that’s both powerful and introspective.
Frontwoman Lara Hilgemann’s vocals are a standout feature. Her scream could front any post-hardcore band, yet she effortlessly belts out arena-ready choruses. The album’s first half is packed with these massive hooks, drawing you into the darker, more introspective second half. This descent culminates in tracks like “Night Sweats,” which moves from stark post-punk to primal screams, and “Sad Sap,” a bleak ballad acknowledging life’s harsh realities.
Wild Powwers band members Lara Hilgemann, Lupe Flores, and Jordan Gomes promoting their album Skin.
Skin explores a range of sounds, from epic psych-sludge breakdowns in “Buff Stuff” to straight-ahead rock in the title track “Skin.” Interestingly, the album also takes a surprising turn with “May I Have This Dance.” This track offers a nod to 1950s pop slow dances, showcasing a different side of the band’s musicality. Perhaps it’s in this unexpected track that listeners might ponder, “Have This Dance Lyrics?” – a question that hints at the album’s broader emotional range beyond just raw energy.
The musical chemistry within Wild Powwers is undeniable. Hilgemann’s vocal harmonies with drummer Lupe Flores are tight, while Jordan Gomes’ bass lines provide a melodic anchor. Having toured extensively and released three albums in just four years has clearly shaped their sound, giving them a raw edge. As KEXP describes it, they “specialize in the sort of carefree grunge riff-rock that gets better the dirtier it gets.”
Skin is a testament to Wild Powwers’ growth and resilience. They acknowledge their struggles – “have (their) regrets / But (they’re) not dead” – a lyric that encapsulates the album’s themes. The album’s raw and honest sound is what makes it so compelling.
Fans can stream Skin via the Bandcamp app and download it in high-quality formats. This album is a must-listen for anyone seeking genuine, hard-hitting rock music with depth and dynamic range.
Translucent pink cassette tape of Wild Powwers’ album Skin, available for digital download.
