NEW YORK, NY (Top40 Charts/ Atlantic Records) Elektra Records has announced its plans to release the label debut from acclaimed UK singer/multi-instrumentalist Wolf Gang. The 24-year-old artist - known to friends and family as Max McElligott - will release his self-titled digital 5-song EP on March 15th via all DSPs. The 'WOLF GANG' EP is available for pre-order now at the Elektra webstore (https://elektra.hasawebstore.com).
Currently highlighted in SPIN's 'Next Big Things' issue, Wolf Gang will herald the EP's release with a non-stop line-up of parties and showcase performances at the upcoming South By Southwest (SXSW) Music and Media Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas. The schedule kicks off on Wednesday, March 16th with a set at Big Stereo's annual shindig, slated for 4:15 pm at Barbarella. Later that same night, Wolf Gang will be among the UK-based artists performing at the British Music Embassy's NME/PRS For Music official showcase at Latitude 30. Friday, March 18th will see an afternoon performance at the always jam-packed Fader Fort by Fiat. Last, but certainly not least, is an early evening set on Saturday, March 19th at Gym Club for the much anticipated New Shapes party hosted by Neon Gold, Chess Club and Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons' Communion Records. In related news, a limited number of 10' vinyl copies of the EP will be available at all of Wolf Gang's Austin appearances as well as via the aforementioned Elektra webstore.
The 'WOLF GANG' EP, which was written and performed in its entirety by McElligott, is highlighted by the recent UK hit single, 'Lions In Cages,' which earned major airplay at both BBC Radio 1 and XFM. In addition, the EP includes the upcoming single, 'Dancing With The Devil,' which has been added to the C-list at BBC Radio 1, alongside a pair of exclusive demos and an alternate version of 'Dancing With The Devil' featuring up-and-coming London singer/songwriter Kyla La Grange. All tracks on the EP (bar the two self-produced demo recordings and the alternate version of 'Devil') were produced by the legendary David Fridmann (MGMT, The Flaming Lips, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), who discovered Wolf Gang's original bedroom demo of 'Lions In Cages' back in October 2010 and swiftly invited him to record at his world famous Tarbox Road Studios in upstate Cassadaga, New York - making Max the first UK artist Fridmann has worked with in years.
McElligott has received a plethora of praise since releasing his 2009 debut single, 'Pieces of You,' marking himself and his live band among Britain's most exciting new talents. NME hailed him as 'indie rock's best new songwriter,' noting that 'tracks like the exuberant 'Lions In Cages' and the sultry rolls and melodic shivers of 'Back To Back' are ingeniously crafted and quite gorgeous.' 'Wolf Gang do it with panache,' decreed the Independent, adding, ''Lions In Cages' has more hooks than a hat stand.' '(Wolf Gang's) catalogue of perfectly formed big tunes show they have substance in abundance,' declared the Daily Star, further predicting, 'their infectious neon choruses and sleazy guyliner grooves will be big.' The Guardian applauded Wolf Gang's 'shiny, tuneful arena-ready pop-rock,' while the Times suggested McElligott's 'addictive hooks and reverb-laden falsetto could soundtrack many a festival tent in 2011.'
Inspired by the likes of Talking Heads, Roxy Music and David Bowie, as well as more contemporary artists such as Arcade Fire, Wolf Gang's sound packs in an abundance of suave panache, ear-thwacking beats and heart-throttling melodies. With an abundance of tours firmly under his belt - including support slots with Florence And The Machine, Miike Snow, and The Naked And Famous, as well as several headline tours - McElligott and his crack combo have quickly cultivated a dedicated and avid fan base. With the upcoming release of the 'WOLF GANG' EP, this enigmatic artist will surely stamp his romantic, surreal, and imaginative sound all over 2011.
For up-to-the-minute news and information, please visit https://wolf-gang.co.uk/.
(SXSW ITINERARY BELOW)
WOLF GANG - South By Southwest 2011
3/16 - The Glitoris Vs. Big Stereo at Barbarella (4:15 pm)
3/16 - NME Official Showcase - Latitude 30 (10:00 pm)
3/18 - Fader Fort (3:45 pm)
3/19 - New Shapes (Neon Gold/Chess Club/Communion) at Gym Club (5:15 pm)
