After only just having been introduced to WOLF AND CUB’s enchanting and electrifying music, I gained the pleasure of conducting an interview with frontman Joel Byrne. To my surprise I found myself speaking to a rather realistic, humble and level-headed artist. Wolf and Cub’s recently released album Science and Sorcery was a hit, they’re about to begin the first tour that they can call their own and all over the country their fans are anxiously anticipating the presence of the group. To any band this seems a brilliant success and that it is, but Byrne shares with me the unfortunate truth that the road to this success was anything but a breeze for both himself and for Wolf and Cub.
During the making of Science and Sorcery it was clear to the band that they were looking for a different kind of sound. Although unfortunately this step out of the ordinary seemed to take its toll on Byrne. “It was causing me to have a lot of doubts about what was happening and doubting myself and doubting the band,” he confesses. “It was kind of a tricky thing to do. There was a lot of conflict with the making of this record. Obviously this tour will make or break. With Wolf and Cub you have to be prepared for the unexpected all the time.” With a quick transition to optimism he assures me that “in retrospect it did turn out exactly how I wanted it to.”
One topic I felt the urge to explore was the rarity that Wolf and Cub possess – that divine rarity of possessing a second percussionist. Once having listened to Science and Sorcery, I found it was in fact the drums and percussion that gave the music its transcendent vibe. “It would be much more practical and much easier to have one drummer,” Byrne admits. “But I think that two drums... it makes sense to me. For us it’s such an intrinsic part of what we do. It’s not as if we do it because it’s easy – it’s not, it’s hard. It’s a nothing ventured/nothing gained, no pain/no gain kind of thing.” As a new asset, it is clear that the new percussionist Martin plays a tremendous part in the unique new sound of Wolf and Cub alongside JC. Byrne elaborates on this, “they compliment each other; they’re both good at what their style is.”
Seeking closure concerning the Canberra gig on Wolf and Cub’s upcoming tour, I asked Byrne how he was feeling about it and I was almost startled by the loud, excitable outburst that followed. “Yeah! I’m excited! Heaps Excited!” Simple words, but none the less effective enough to make me excited too! Not to mention that this simple outburst gave me all the closure I needed. I was assured now that the humble and level-headed Byrne also beholds all the enthusiasm and energy needed to give Canberra a no less than spectacular performance. Wolf and Cub are coming to town, so from the mouth of the man himself be prepared for the unexpected.
Be sure to catch Wolf and Cub, The Scare and Cabins at the ANU Bar on Sunday June 21. Tickets through Ticketek and Moshtix.
