How To Tell The Difference Between Wolf Parade and Wolfmother at Coachella

tony Apr 03, 2006

There are two buzzworthy critically acclaimed bands playing Coachella starting with "Wolf" in their names that you should know about and know how to recognize.

Luckilly for you they're quite different.

They've both released two EPs in the last two years
Neither group are from The USA
Both bands use keyboards as a somewhat major part of their sound
Indie-rock is championing both of them
Pitchfork has gone ga-ga for each of them
Each group impressed sold-out audiences at this year's SXSW.

Whoops, thats what makes them similar, other than their names. So lets break down their differences.

Wolf Parade is a five-piece from Montreal, Wolfmother is a trio from Australia
Wolf Parade recorded their upcoming full-length cd in Portland Oregon, Wolfmother recorded their upcoming full-length cd in Hollywood California.
Wolf Parade is much like the other huge indie band of their hometown of Montreal, Arcade Fire: experimental, nerdy, and far less interested in guitars than any other instrument.
Wolfmother is much like the biggest band to come out of their homeland of Australia, AC/DC: heavy, guitar orientated, riff-rooted, and steeped in the love of 70s classic-rock.
Wolfmother will rock your ass, Wolf Parade will rock your mind.
Wolf Parade's two EP covers look like posters from a modern art museum
the covers of Wolfmother's two EPs, one import CD, and one single look like murals on the side of trippy liquor stores in 1976 Detroit rock city
Wolf Parade sounds like a combo of Talking Heads and a crystal-meth induced Modest Mouse
Wolfmother sounds like one freshman playing Boston from his dormroom competing with his neighbor blasting Yes, both of whom are being whomped on by the rich kid across the hall playing two Black Sabbath records at the same time.
Wolf Parade plays on Saturday at Coachella, Wolfmother plays on Sunday at Coachella