There’s something uniquely cathartic about a band that leans into the chaos of the world and turns it into music that’s as sharp as it is infectious. With their latest release, The DOOM EP, Goddamn Wolves deliver a two-track punch that channels alt-rock nostalgia while sounding entirely fresh. Released on January 31, 2025, the EP is a tight, fiery, and thought-provoking collection that reflects on the dread and uncertainty of our times, while still managing to inject hooks, harmonies, and a touch of hope.
Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Goddamn Wolves have been honing their indie rock-meets-alternative sound since 2018. With influences ranging from Pixies and The New Pornographers to The Beths and Bully, their music combines sharp songwriting, rich male/female harmonies, and a raw yet melodic sensibility that sticks with you long after the last note fades. The trio—Chris Weilding (guitar/vocals), Laura McCullough (bass/vocals), and Drew Foglia (drums/backing vocals)—bring a tight chemistry to the table, resulting in a sound that feels both effortlessly cohesive and refreshingly organic.
The DOOM EP: Grit, Groove, and Existential Reckoning
Though The DOOM EP is short and sweet at just two tracks, it packs a weighty emotional punch. This isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a reflection of a world on edge, a sonic snapshot of the anxieties and hopes that swirl around us.
The first track, “We’re Doomed,” sets the tone with a propulsive rhythm, jagged guitar work, and anthemic harmonies. While the title suggests full-on nihilism, the lyrics reveal something more complex. It’s not just a song about impending disaster—it’s a call to action, a reminder that surrendering to despair is the surest way to be consumed by it. “I think this is probably a note to self as much as anything else,” says Weilding. “It’s mostly a reminder to keep moving, and try to make things better during our brief stay here. I hear it as a fairly positive message, actually.”
That balance between darkness and defiance is what makes “We’re Doomed” hit so hard. It’s the kind of track that feels like a battle cry for anyone staring down the uncertainty of the future but refusing to turn away. The gritty yet melodic interplay between Chris and Laura’s vocals adds depth to the track, while Foglia’s drumming drives everything forward with a sense of urgency.
The second track, “Later Than You Think,” offers a slightly different energy, with Laura taking the lead on vocals. There’s a melancholic but propulsive quality to the song, a feeling of both movement and reflection, like speeding down a highway while lost in thought. “Playing with Chris and Drew is so inspiring and freeing,” McCullough shares. “This band is the perfect environment for coming up with ideas and feeling completely comfortable to try things and put myself out there.”
That freedom translates beautifully into the song’s dynamic shifts, as it ebbs and flows between introspective verses and anthemic choruses. The song builds into something big and emotionally resonant, proving that even in a two-song EP, Goddamn Wolves know how to take listeners on a journey.
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Max Gowan at Found After Dark in Raleigh, the EP captures the raw energy of a live band without sacrificing clarity or nuance. Goddamn Wolves have worked with Found After Dark on multiple releases, and this latest effort solidifies the studio as a key player in shaping their evolving sound.
Despite the weighty themes of The DOOM EP, the band isn’t slowing down anytime soon. They’re experiencing their most creatively fruitful period yet, with several new songs already lined up for recording. There’s also talk of collecting these new recordings into a vinyl LP release later this year, which means fans have plenty to look forward to.
Final Thoughts: The Doom We Needed
With The DOOM EP, Goddamn Wolves prove that even in a world that feels like it’s constantly teetering on the edge, music can still cut through the noise and make us feel something real. Their ability to blend razor-sharp lyrics with dynamic, hook-laden songwriting makes this release a standout in today’s indie rock landscape.
It’s a short but powerful listen, one that reminds us that doom isn’t just about destruction—it’s also about transformation. Whether you crank this EP up on a late-night drive, let it soundtrack your existential thoughts, or blast it as an anthem of resilience, The DOOM EP is a must-listen for anyone who loves their indie rock with equal parts grit and melody.
And if this is just a taste of what’s to come, the future for Goddamn Wolves looks anything but doomed.
