Timberwolf is the moniker for Christopher Panousakis’ modern folk project, whose combination of ‘60s blues riffs with soaring pop melodies has been turning heads since its inception in 2013.
Recorded and co-produced by Mark Myers of The Middle East, Flux sounds gorgeous throughout. Drenched in reverberating guitars and atmospheric vocals, the EP is consistently lush and euphonic. Panousakis’ vocals sit at the forefront, delivering the songs with a winning combination of husky and silky tones. His voice is a standout, and even in its quieter moments, the stadium-sized arrangements don’t overshadow it.
It Burns is a highlight,distilling the EP down to what Timberwolf does best. Beginning with ambient banjos, the song builds up with powerful, festival ready hooks before taking an unexpected turn into a cathartic Grateful Dead style coda. While Panousakis is patently crafting music for larger audiences, he retains a welcome sense of originality within his arrangements.
At times, his penchant for surreal lyrics can get the better of him. The chorus of Whiskey Jar is full of mysterious imagery, but doesn’t reveal enough to maintain allure on further listens. He’s at his most lyrically effective when approaching his subject directly; exemplified on the tender Stranded, where he admits fault to a love gone wrong with moving simplicity.
Flux showcases an artist who has started to cultivate a comfortable sound of his own. Once Timberwolf really settles in, there’ll be nothing stopping him from finding the success he deserves.
BY JAMES DI FABRIZIO
