Photo credit: Dana Sparling

Portland, OR – November 1, 2024 – With the release of Wolves, their seventh album, Portland duo Wonderly showcases a new level of musical depth and collaboration. The album is out today, November 1, 2024, and Wonderly—comprising Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk—will celebrate with a release show at The Old Church in Portland on November 2.

Wonderly’s journey began in 2016, and their style has evolved steadily across their previous releases. The two musicians, each bringing a wealth of experience, have been crafting a sound that balances catchy pop with emotional storytelling. Their past projects, including Story We Tell (2022) and Appropriate ’til Death (2023), earned them a dedicated following, but Wolves marks a new high point. The album’s release show will bring together some of Portland’s most respected musicians, such as Laura Veirs, Rachel Taylor Brown, Mary Flower, and Jenson Tuomi, who will join Wonderly to make this night an unforgettable live experience.

The title Wolves captures the album’s thematic core: the inner struggle between different aspects of ourselves. Brunberg says, “There’s a duality in all of us. Inside you are two wolves. Which wolf will you feed?” This concept weaves through Wolves, from the high-energy yet dark narrative of Plaid Pantry, set in a local convenience store, to It Was Written That Way, a song about identity and personal truth that debuted in the film Strictly for the Birds.

Recorded in Brunberg’s home studio just outside Portland, the album’s 11 tracks feature a wide range of sounds and arrangements. Wonderly brought in a variety of guest musicians, from Elvis Costello’s drummer Pete Thomas to pedal steel guitarist Paul Brainard and even Brunberg’s daughters, Dana and Vern Sparling. This expanded cast added new layers to Wonderly’s already rich sound. Wolves embraces a collaborative approach, something the duo hadn’t done extensively on previous albums, making this a unique milestone.

The album’s lyrics are based on true events, with Landsverk noting, “I hope that in some of these songs, you get the sense of the untrustworthy narrator—someone who is equally culpable in the unfolding of events.” Wonderly’s mix of personal storytelling and playful instrumentation creates songs that are deeply relatable while remaining musically compelling. Tracks like My Damn Self and Never Go Back There Again tackle universal themes of personal growth and reflection, while Starfucker and Words to Say Goodbye show a more introspective side of the band’s songwriting.

Brunberg and Landsverk share instrumental duties on Wolves, playing everything from strings to brass to drums. “If it has a bow and strings, it’s Ben. If you blow into it, it’s me,” says Brunberg. This playful division of labor underscores their long-standing partnership, which is rooted in trust and mutual respect. Their combined virtuosity allows them to experiment with different sounds, which gives Wolves a dynamic, almost cinematic quality. Brunberg explains that they both love the richly orchestrated style of artists like Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks, whose influence can be heard throughout the album.

The song arrangements on Wolves are elaborate and lush, with harmonies and instrumental layers that bring out Wonderly’s pop sensibility while keeping each song emotionally resonant. “Compositionally, we were coming up with stuff we wanted to incorporate,” Brunberg says. “We wanted to make things big and bold.”

The duo’s upcoming show at The Old Church in Portland will give fans a taste of Wolves in a live setting, with the additional support of a stellar lineup of local musicians. From there, Wonderly will head to Berkeley, California, for a November 9 show, opening for the band Box Set.

Wonderly’s latest work, Wolves, is both an evolution of their sound and a testament to the duo’s roots in Portland’s vibrant music scene. For fans new and old, Wolves offers a blend of catchy tunes, thoughtful lyrics, and impressive musicality, making it a standout addition to the Portland music landscape.

Follow Wonderly online; Official Website, Spotify