The Shyning’s “Wild Life” Is Anything But Tame

Words and pics by Scott Roos

Our Grade: A

There’s something wonderfully uncomplicated about “Wild Life,” the new single from Prince Albert’s The Shyning. Released July 16, it’s the kind of rock song that doesn’t ask you to overthink things. It just wants you to turn it up and have a good time.

Recorded at Mosaic Music Studio with Rich McFarlane, “Wild Life” comes loaded with the sort of classic-rock swagger that makes you want to dig an old denim jacket out of the closet. There’s some AC/DC strut in the mix, a healthy dose of Judas Priest grit and a definite ‘80s flavour running through the whole thing.

Chris McDonald is particularly good here, channeling a little Rob Halford on the chorus. That octave scoop is bang-on and gives the song a big, memorable hook.

Kenny Kuznier keeps the drums marching along with a loose, almost danceable groove, while Arthur Ashdown gives the bass plenty of thump. Blake Manley handles the guitar duties and Kelly Kawula gets his moment to shine with a tasty shred solo.

What really works is the party-rock feel. This is less “stand in the corner and brood” and more “grab another beer and turn the damn thing up.”

“Wild Life” is nostalgic, fun and unapologetically old-school. Sometimes that’s exactly what a rock song needs to be.

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