[youtube]http://youtu.be/1I7p2rHaqdk[/youtube]
It’s safe to say that South Jersey isn’t exactly a hotbed of musical activity. Philadelphia, just across the Delaware River, has the bulk of the venues, and any music being heard at bars and clubs there is generally by cover bands or singer songwriters. Sure, Cinderella, Britny Fox and The Early November have emerged from the area over the years, but it’s been a while since anyone else has. That might be about to change. Prog/metal quartet In the Presence of Wolves will be releasing their debut full-length album, Thalassas on December 2nd, and while they’re still an unsigned band, their mix of musicality and songwriting should definitely get them noticed.
Citing acts like Porcupine Tree, The Mars Volta, and Mastodon as influences, the band craft heavy prog rock that’s also tuneful. It’s not too extreme for a Yes fan, but won’t bore a Baroness fan either. While the band’s existed since 2009, they’ve only been a full-on entity since 2012. Listen to “Man of the Times,” then follow them on Facebook or their website if you like what you hear. The band will be performing a record release show on Saturday, November 29 at the North Star Bar & Restaurant in Phily.
