Sean Grant and the Wolfgang have inked a recording deal with esteemed indie label Fierce Panda Records.
It means the players and their so-called folk-punk fury are sharing a label that has previously issued vinyl by artists including Supergrass, Coldplay, Keane, Placebo, MK's punk-rock aces Capdown and many, many more.
Fierce Panda also consistently backs new talent, which makes this meeting the perfect pairing.
Frankly, it's more than a little bit exciting.
The vital connection was made when the Wolf was asked to play a date at the 100 Club for the Helsinki album launch, a collaborative project by Babyshambler Drew McConnell, which was also issued through the Panda channel.
Simon Williams started the label and still shows his face at all the shows. He tipped his ears to the Wolfgang's sounds, and was enamoured enough to keep in touch.
Things developed, and the deal was done.
“It's one of those labels that if you are talking to a real music lover or musician, the reaction instantly is 'wow...having the track record they do, it really is a dream to be working with the team for this release, and also on plans for the future.”
The band will issue their third EP, and first for Fierce Panda on May 6.
Titled 7 Deadly 7 the four track digital release shows the band's sombre side.
“The EP is far more personally written than the pervious two,” Sean told Total MK, “Drawing on the struggle of everyday life in a modern setting.
“There are four narratives that delve into creation, love, temptation, desire, frustration and desperation based on decisions and choices within the environment around us.
“I've worked much closer with The Wolfgang musically with these songs as you'll hear with them being far rockier, or larger in soundscape...”
The EP sounds more assured, grittier and like the man said, rockier.
Roecrding took place at Ray Davies' Konk Studio, with Grammy winning producer Guy Massey at the helm.
“Looking at Facebook it tells me we started the page in 2014, which makes us around two years young...it feels like I've been in the Wolfgang my whole life!” Sean says when we mention the journey to this point.
“I think we set out in the right way, we wanted to make good music, work really hard, play shows, but also know that we wanted to do this for a living.”
And with UK and European tours tucked tidily under their rockin' belts, and airtime on 6 Music courtesy of Steve Lamacq, things have been on the up for the Wolves for some time.
Nonetheless this new contract has increased the buzz factor, just in time for the new tour.
“Everything feels fresh, there's a new set, and a lot of new stuff as I haven't been able to stop writing at the moment...it almost feels like a new beginning with the whole Fierce Panda signing,” Sean admits.
“We just can't wait to get back on the road. It's where we want to be as much as possible.”
And the band is choosing to kickstart the new tour in their own backyard, with a date at The Craufurd Arms on May 7.
Sean Grant and the Wolfgang then play:
MAY 9TH LONDON DALSTON The Victoria MAY 12TH LEICESTER Brew Dog MAY 13TH BIRMINGHAM TBC (w/ Dead Sea Skulls) MAY 14TH NOTTINGHAM The Running Horse (w/ 94 Gunships) MAY 21ST BEDFORD Esquires (This Feeling) MAY 27TH BRISTOL Rock Or Soul
We'll keep you up to speed with the gang, but you should also keep 'em peeled at www.seangrantandthewolfgang.com
