“Philip Sayce Soars with ‘The Wolves Are Coming’A Testament to Passion and Power”

Review By Glen Parkes

Philip Sayce, the virtuoso guitarist and singer-songwriter, embarks on a sonic odyssey with his latest album, “The Wolves Are Coming,” solidifying his position as a formidable force in the rock genre. Released on February 23, 2024, via Atomic Gemini/Forty Below Records, this album stands as a crowning achievement for Sayce, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to channel the transformative power of music in turbulent times.

Produced by Sayce himself at Station House Studio in Los Angeles and engineered by Grammy Award winner Mark Rains, “The Wolves Are Coming” boasts a lineup of exceptional musicians, including Michael Leasure on drums, Fred Mandel on keyboards and piano, Bernie Barlow on background vocals, and Aaron Sterling on drums. Sayce, the driving creative force behind the album, lends his vocals, guitars, bass, and piano, infusing each track with his trademark blend of fervour and intensity.

The album launches with the thunderous “Oh! That Bitches Brew,” a visceral display of Sayce’s raw energy and electrifying guitar prowess. From there, Sayce navigates themes of love, resilience, and introspection, weaving a tapestry of emotion with tracks like the uplifting “Lady Love Divine” and the reflective “It’s Over Now.” Each song stands as a testament to Sayce’s songwriting acumen and his ability to enrapture listeners with his impassioned performances.

A standout track, “Backstabber,” serves as a scathing indictment of the music industry and personal struggles, underscored by Sayce’s gritty vocals and incendiary guitar solos. Meanwhile, instrumental compositions like “Intuition” showcase Sayce’s multifaceted musicality, blending delicate melodies with explosive bursts of energy.

Throughout “The Wolves Are Coming,” Sayce’s production team, including Brian Moncarz and Brian Lucey, meticulously crafted a dynamic sonic landscape that amplifies the album’s emotional resonance. From the soaring crescendos of “Blackbirds Fly Alone” to the ethereal beauty of “The Moon Is Full,” each track draws listeners deeper into Sayce’s world.

Beyond its musical prowess, “The Wolves Are Coming” serves as a personal journey for Sayce, reflecting his experiences during the pandemic and his ongoing quest for growth and self-discovery. As Sayce explains, the album’s title holds myriad meanings, inviting listeners to interpret its themes and messages through their own experiences.

In conclusion, “The Wolves Are Coming” not only showcases Philip Sayce’s immense talent as a musician and songwriter but also represents a triumph of the human spirit. Through its raw energy, heartfelt lyrics, and masterful instrumentation, the album captures Sayce’s journey through darkness and into the light, offering listeners a glimpse into his struggles and triumphs. With each track, Sayce invites us to join him on a sonic adventure filled with passion, intensity, and unwavering determination. As Sayce fearlessly confronts life’s challenges armed with nothing but his music, he solidifies his status as a modern-day guitar hero, leaving an indelible mark on the rock world. “The Wolves Are Coming” is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the power of music to inspire, uplift, and transform lives.

ALBUM TRACK LISTING 1. “Oh! That Bitches Brew” (3:29) 2. “Lady Love Divine” (3:04) 3. “Babylon Is Burning” (2:51) 4. “Your Love” (3:18) 5. “It’s Over Now” (5:35) 6. “Black Moon” (2:40) 7. “Blackbirds Fly Alone” (5:37) 8. “The Moon Is Full” (3:43) 9. “Backstabber” (3:54) 10. “Intuition” (3:19) 11. “This Is Hip” (2:46)