Vanderwolf – “As The Sun” [Song Review]

Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Vanderwolf, aka Max Vanderwolf, unveils “As The Sun,” the debut track of the Vanderwolf Singles Club series, a collection of monthly releases highlighting his innovative sound.

“As the Sun” deals with the issue of forced prison labor in the United States and was inspired by ongoing efforts to abolish the 14th Amendment’s “exception clause,” which allows prison slavery.

Vanderwolf’s work underlines efforts to end this systemic injustice. Recent reforms in states like Colorado, Alabama, and Oregon emphasize an extensive push to eradicate these vestiges of slavery. With “As The Sun,” Vanderwolf meshes artistry and advocacy, delivering a poignant and socially conscious debut for the Vanderwolf Singles Club.

Talking about “As The Sun,” Vanderwolf says, “Most of my songs wrestle with the fleeting nature of life. This one is no exception—it’s an existentialist’s anthem.”

Written in London, “As the Sun” was recorded with two dobros and finds Vanderwolf partnering with vocalist Victy Silva, the wife of producer Chris Wyles. The song was recorded in Wyles’ studio in Camberwell, Southe London.

Vanderwolf, photo by 525 Media

For some reason, the video, directed by Aiden Volney, conjures up memories of scenes from the movie Cool Hand Luke, where hard labor was doled out on top of incarceration as a form of double punishment.

“As The Sun” opens on oozing tones of Delta blues, vaguely reminiscent of The Rolling Stones. Dipped in raw, poignant textures, the vocals evoke the sound of a choir of spectral voices, dripping with melancholy and emotional isolation. Silva’s woeful backing vocals imbue the tune with sharp-edged lamenting surfaces.

Through a thick, bluesy fog of aching torment, with “As The Sun,” Vanderwolf captures intense feelings of immediate tragedy.

Run Time: 4:10
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Record Label: Another Record Label

VANDERWOLF SINGLES CLUB

“As the Sun” – Feb 19th
“A Time To Die” – March 19th
“Twice in a Lifetime” – April 16th
“Fuckwitt McGee” – May 21st
“Landlady” – June 18th
“Path of Love” – July 16th