Jason Cruz and Howl shine like a lonely headlight through the shadow of the valley of death and rock and roll. Fronted by seasoned punk veteran and artist Jason Cruz of seminal punk outfit Strung Out, Howl is a decidedly dark departure from ‘punk guy gone acoustic’. Rooted in Americana and dark psychedelic murderfolk, Howl flickers like late-night television noir, high on mescaline and American promises.
Straying from punk expectations, Jason Cruz and Howl create an almost cinematic tone with their songs. Painting with words, melodies, swagger, and melancholy, Jason Cruz and Howl gives listeners a masterclass on storytelling as the songs drift through the air like cigarette smoke and old country radio. Cruz’s wolf pack is backed by rhythm section Kris Comeaux on drums (Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, The Darlings), Jason Nelson on bass (Above the Noise), and Chad Kulengosky on guitar (I Am Ghost, Above the Noise).