Woolfy is Simon James, the British-born, California-based singer, songwriter, musician and producer, an indie-dance and disco troubadour with an unmistakable English-inflected falsetto delivery.
His work as one half of Woolfy vs Projections has seen him firmly cemented in the modern disco and Balearic movements. In contrast, his infrequent solo output reveals a rogue pop sensibility.
Having long traded Los Angeles for the peaceful satellite town of Ojai, Woolfyâs solo material for Ritual Release finds him rooted in his creative process, drawing on a wide range of influences, and fully showing of his talents for songwriting and instinctive performance.
On the Shooting Stars EP, the title cut serves as a pep talk to his teen daughter, encouraging her to sidestep societyâs neat little boxes and shoot for the heavens on her own trajectory. Dreamy guitar, soft pads and tinkling xylophone meet marching band drums and Woolfyâs heart-on-sleeve vocal in a stirring call to arms for fearless living.
The first of the remixes of âShooting Starsâ is from ex-Poolside founder member and daytime disco exponent, Turbotito. His take sets Jamesâs vocal to emotive lead guitar lines wound around an infectious marimba groove that becomes progressively acid-laced as it goes on.
The remix courtesy of neo-psych giants Django Django isolates the rebel chants from the original track, which are re-cast at a slow drawl to rumbling beats and synth noise by the four-pieceâs drummer and producer Dave Maclean.
The EP closes with âAt The End Of My Reachâ, surely set to be a cherished B-side. Jamesâs acheing falsetto arrives in a haze of throbbing synth bass, lonely guitar and chiming harpsichord. This rounds off a highly absorbing solo outing and a tantalizing taste of whatâs to come from Woolfy.
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âOne of the best songs of 2021â â Chris Douridas (KCRW / School Night)
âA lofty track that combines the other worldliness of Alt-J and the pop flair of Glass Animalsâ â Glide Magazine
âDestined to be seismic in certain circles. A proper piece of positive pop.â â Dr Rob (Ban Ban Ton Ton)
âItâs a beauty. Reminds me of Peter Gabriel.â â Mo Morris (A Mountain of One)