By Stan Cierlitsky
Spencer Krug returns via Pronounced Kroog, with a very interesting piano-and-voice record called Same Fangs. Spencer Krug is mostly known for his part in the amazing Wolf Parade, but he's also released five albums as Sunset Rubdown, as well as several other projects. Apparently, Wolf Parade's "I'll Believe in Anything" -- my favorite Krug song -- has been recently featured in a Netflix show called Heated Rivalry which is giving Krug and Wolf Parade more attention. This is perfect timing for Krug to release a solo record.
Most people that know me know that I am a huge Modest Mouse fan. I first listened to Krug and Wolf Parade when I had heard that Modest Mouse's main man Isaac Brock produced most of their first album, Apologies to the Queen Mary. I was immediately hooked, and have followed most of Krug's work since.
I first heard of this new solo project when he released "Timebomb", the first single. I honestly didn't know what to make of it. Krug took the piano and somehow made it feel post-apocalyptic. At first his crooning over this soundtrack seemed a little unsettling, but after multiple listens I think I started to get it. Over the course of Same Fangs he uses his voice and the piano (with little instrumental or vocal guests) to make a very unique record. Each song feels like its own little adventure, and yet they all sound right together.
Second single "Berserker Mode" is a favorite. Again, he uses the same ingredients as he did on "Timebomb", but this sounds different. The piano here is light and airy, which seems interesting as he sings about going berserker mode. I know a lot of people are going to try and find comparisons for this album. The closest I can come up with is Destroyer stuff, which is a good thing.
I also really like second track "Hasn't it Always", which is just beautiful, and a little slower, and accompanied by strings. And the abrupt ending is a perfect transition into "Timebomb" on the record.
As I mentioned, piano and voice are the heart of this record, but it's so much fun finding the little differences for each song. I love the percussion and synth opening for "Real Long Headlock". And I love the strings. It worked well in "Hasn't it Always", but also works in another favorite, "Listening to Music in Cars 2.5 (All the Tired Horses)". I should also give a shoutout to Elbow Kiss who provide backup vocals throughout the record.
So if you're a fan of Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, or are intrigued by a piano-and-voice record that might sound something like Destroyer, then you should give Same Fangs by Spencer Krug a listen.
Same Fangs by Spencer Krug is out now via Pronounced Kroog.
[Photo: Uncredited press photo, 2026]