Chapter 5 of the Lockdown 20/21 documentary focuses on Age of Wolves’ frontman Michael Edwards, and explores the passion (and anguish) behind his creativity. The video also showcases the song “Grease Monkey and the Monkeywrench” which was filmed during their October 2020 live performance at The Back Stage in Windsor, Ontario.
The lead singer and principal lyricist Michael Edwards is best known for his high intensity live performances. (The infamous Phog Lounge show is a perfect example of this, and is discussed in Chapter 5 of the Lockdown 20/21 documentary. Driven and inspired by real-life experiences, his music and artwork is what keeps his demons at bay. Follow along as he and his band mates discuss the importance of self expression, (through music, lyrics, and artwork), as both a release, and an effective form of therapy.
This chapter highlights the importance of those outlets, especially in these unprecedented times of Covid isolation. The lyric writing process is discussed, and how that ultimately affects the instrumentation in the songs, and vice versa. At the very core, this honest and pure approach builds on the foundation of the band; to write/create songs that come from a place deep within their collective conscience. Also worth noting is the fact that Michael has created all the artwork thus far for the band, including the band’s logo. Their upcoming vinyl release later this year will also showcase his artwork. Adding yet another dimension to the creativity he brings to The Pack. There’s also a special message for those close-minded people out there… If you’ve ever wondered how people (Mike in particular) are inspired to create…this chapter will definitely show you some insight. Watch as the curtain is pulled back to reveal how important and integral art really is to these four individuals.
Regarding the meaning behind the lyrics to “Grease Monkey and The Monkeywrench”, Edwards noted:
“This is a song about the virtue of living one’s life with righteous indignation. The title characters are based on two close friends of mine. The names changed to protect their identities. These two represent, to me, a dying breed of fiercely independent and defiant individuality. They adhere to their own ideals and beliefs, which at times put them in opposition to authority. These are the type of free-thinkers that take the proverbial lemons of life and repurpose them into audacious hand grenades of mischief, amusement and disdain.”
Michael also adds:
“I truly respect the sheer daring they practice to live life by their own code. Some might consider them to be simply eccentrics – but that would be understimating their resolve and genuine authenticity. ‘Grease Monkey and Monkeywrench’ have made their beds and, not surprisingly, sleep very well. They are the rare breed that fly their own flag and apologizes to no one for it.”
Check out Lockdown 20/21 Chapter 5 below or click HERE
ICYMI, check out Lockdown 20/21 Chapter 1 HERE , Chapter 2 HERE , Chapter 3 HERE and Chapter 4 HERE
About Age Of Wolves:
Growing up across the river from Motown/Detroit Rock City, and living in the afterglow of the home of the Big 8 CKLW,
Windsor, Ontario has a solid rock and roll history that cannot be denied. A person can’t help but be influenced by the cultural and musical diversity of the area, and surrounding Rust Belt region. The 4 members of Age Of Wolves are a direct byproduct of this. Being veteran musicians who’ve recorded and performed throughout the area and beyond, the original intention was to create a band as diverse as the individuals’ own influences. Drawing from the likes of Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, MC5, Motörhead, Soundgarden, Clutch and ALL styles and flavours in between, the original vision of the band was to encompass and infuse as many of the different styles of ‘heavy’…as tastefully possible.
To sound like every band you’ve ever heard, but not one in particular was the goal. This mission was definitely accomplished with the first 8 songs, before the world changed…
Isolation in what would later become known as the Wolf Den, is where Age Of Wolves began. Ironically, the band will now have to be unveiled in the midst of isolation from a global pandemic.
The Pack Formation
Times have vastly changed since mid September of 2019, when vocalist Michael Edwards (formerly of LoDown), drummer Dwayne Laframboise (formerly of My Terminal Ritual), and bassist Ray Solomon (formerly of My Terminal Ritual) parted ways with their previous bands to pursue something that was more dedicated to their own vision.
In those first couple weeks, through word of mouth, they would garner the attention of a handful of local guitar players, but it wasn’t until AL Yeti Bones (Gypsy Chief Goliath, The Mighty Nimbus, Georgian Skull) entered the room in early October, that things started to take form. Originally only slated as a 3 song demo, the chemistry in the room was instantaneous as The Pack formed, and quickly took shape. So much so, that recording equipment was installed to avoid ‘riff-loss’. As a result, hours of music was sifted through to form the first few songs.
The Pack quickly realized the 3 song demo would have to be more than just that. With a plan to record a 6 song E.P. in early March 2020, everything would be put on hold due to the Covid 19 crisis. Fortunately…the first 4 songs were demo’d in the Wolf Den back during the Christmas holidays, and when things had eased up, the band wrote 4 more, to establish the band, and an album.
Plans began to morph into something incredibly busy during the midst of a pandemic. Age Of Wolves began production on a documentary, and even a live performance. However, time will tell as the world adjusts to a new reality, a new normal as they say, but one thing is for sure, the documentary has captured a fragment in our lives that we will forever remember.
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