The structure of local band Wolfman and the Airship Captain has been chaotic over the five-plus years since the band formed at Upper Arlington High School.
Between members leaving and returning and experimenting with diverse instrument ensembles, WMATAC has still managed to grow with each passing track. For example, the band’s current lineup traded having a bassist in order to implement two synthesizers.
With the 2015 offering of “Models,” the band’s latest EP that released this past May, the presence of two synths was not overbearing. It was a welcoming accompaniment that often progressed into one of guitarist Ted Langhorst’s elevating breakdowns.
On Friday at Skully’s Music-Diner WMATAC will debut one of their most ambitious singles yet: “Eat Fire.” The synth players, Colman Hickey and Jamie Watson, are prominently showcased, further straying away from the darker sounds heard on the band’s first project, “Wolf Baby.”
The four-minute journey begins with a psychedelic synth-led intro, which sets the stage for one of WMATAC’s boldest statements yet. It is not until vocalist Gus Dieker’s voice is first heard on “Eat Fire” that one can see the ensuing growth of the group.
The use of lo-fi vocals on the single compared to their previous work paints a much fuller sound. WMATAC also has a way with really building up the climaxes of their songs, but “Eat Fire’s” end may have been their most creative and powerful one yet.
WMATAC will also be releasing a B-side to go along with “Eat Fire’s” debut. “Cannibal,” a track that the band has held onto without an official release, delves into the mind of a psychotic flesh-eater backed by dreamy dueling synths.
“I’ll put you in the oven, put butter on your skin and I’ll eat you up,” Dieker calmly sings.
You can catch these songs live Friday at 9 p.m. at Skully’s. Admission is $5.
