The Wolf Brothers - They're On A Mission From Granmani

In a previous post of mine, I briefly mentioned how Subwoolfer's outfits instantly reminded me of the Blues Brothers, and when you compare the two, well, it is hard to NOT continue to see that. Eventually that brought me to a smashing idea of creating an ad hoc poster of Keith and Jim in the same manner as "Joliet" Jake and Elwood Blues. So I did and did what anyone does in the age of social media: posted on Twitter.

My initial concept of it was rough - I had just wanted people to see what was going on in my head to my limited abilities. But it stirred more of my thoughts on comparisons between the two bands, on the parallelisms, whether intentional or not, between the two.

A cleaner version of the Twitter one and a side-by-side

But let me pause for just a second. The way I'm going on here, I'm acting as if everyone knows of the iconic Blues Brothers, and I know from experience that that isn't the case. So here's the abridged version:

The Blues Brothers were a blues and soul revivalist band - rhythm and blues - founded in 1978 and initially started off as a Saturday Night Live (SNL) musical sketch created by Canadian Dan Aykroyd and American John Belushi, both legendary comedians. But even though they were merely a musical sketch, they had many well known musicians in that day in their band - Donald "Duck" Dunn, Tom "Bones" Malone, and Matt Murphy to name a few. They were absolutely the real deal and even toured across America, their fame rising. Eventually they released albums and made a movie of the same name, becoming one of the most iconic musical comedies out there.

Now this whole piece probably can be summarized as me overthinking - and I do do that a lot, but I think it is worthwhile to point these out. (Which I'll get to why later.)

(1) SUITS

The most obvious is what I already mentioned: their outfits. Both Blues Brothers and Subwoolfer, specifically Keith and Jim, don black suits with a white collared shirt and a tie. And both wear sunglasses, everywhere. From here, though, differences arise. Subwoolfer may not have hats like the Blues Brothers, but they have running shoes while the Blues have men's dress shoes.

Of all the outfits that Subwoolfer could have possibly had chosen, I find myself asking the question, "Why suits?" What drew them to choose that? They could have chosen many other outfits that are more alien looking to go along with the theme. Perhaps something along the line of what the Blue Men Group wear or even something way out there. But they chose suits. 

I suppose that pop culture could be to blame. In many movies, we often see iconic characters in suits - like the Men in Black or, for a little more recent reference, The Kingsman. Hell, James Bond often wears one in the 007 franchise, and we all know his reputation. It isn't out of realm of possibility that pop culture influenced their decision.

I mean, if you want to go for that iconic, dashing, handsome kind of look, a suit certainly would accomplish that. 

But those what I mentioned are movies, and movies only. The Blues Brothers were more than just movies; they were a band; they were an iconic band.

Subwoolfer is also a band.

(2) That One Pose

Before performing "Soul Man," the Blues Brothers would start with this pose; the same pose also appeared once, to my count, in their movie when Jake and Elwood were visiting an older lady in search for one of their bandmates. So when I saw Keith and Jim doing a similar one at times for pictures and/or standing around during Eurovision season, my mind put two and two together.

Well, technically, I was like, "Wait... this seems familiar." Then when I went down in revisiting some Blues Brothers memories of mine, it clicked. 

Now you may exclaim that this is a little out there in the parallelism realm of things, and I would agree with you. But I can't help drawing the comparison.

(3) Moves, All the Moves

Since Blues Brothers started off as a SNL musical sketch, it naturally arises that their antics during their performance would be animated at times. And you definitely see this during their performances and the movie: both brothers have some moves.

Both Keith and Jim from Subwoolfer also have moves, quite literally from out of this world and just, well, different. I'm sure some who have seen their performance during Eurovision went, "This is crazy!" and they would probably be right. But such is the act.

Perhaps I'm grasping at straws at this one, but it is hard not to draw some comparisons here.

Oh, and during the performance of "Soul Man," Jake Blues would unbutton his suit like Keith would during "Give That Wolf A Banana." Totally unrelated; no reason to draw comparisons, eh? I know there could be other reasons, but let me have this...

(4) Unusual Food Tastes

This you may not think of right away - and it's probably the smallest one yet - but when I rewatched The Blues Brothers, I immediately drew the comparison. In the movie, Jake and Elwood arrive at a diner and order some food. Jake orders four fried whole chickens and a coke while Elwood orders toasted white bread, dry. Not typically what an individual would order, although there will always be that one person.

As for Subwoolfer...

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A little more than unusual, and the same can be said about their banana bread. And recently? Combining diesel and peach juice to make a Bloody Wolf! Who knows what else they might try! I expect more of the same.

(5) Antics

I suppose this point is where people draw many comparisons between the Blue Men Group and Subwoolfer, probably due to the humour and behaviour. But I rather think that a more apt comparison is made with the Blues Brothers and Subwoolfer.

The Blues Brothers aren't exactly brothers who agree much with the law. Jake didn't exactly get the nickname "Joliet" from hanging around at a church. He got it from the Joliet Correctional Center. Same goes for Elwood: he's no law abiding man either with the amount of traffic violations he's received. The two can be quite rowdy which the movie paints that point well.

Now when I was writing the general rough draft of what you're reading, at this point I mentioned how Keith and Jim are no law breakers i.e. never have gotten arrested, at least not on Earth. Then practically a day later, the two post a video of being arrested and thrown in jail - TO THE TUNE OF JAILHOUSE ROCK. Of all songs! The comparisons, people! 

To further add, the two space wolves have been known to cause quite the scene in interviews and performances. They can also get quite animated on that too, venturing into humorous territory. Their TikToks paint that extraordinary well.

Point is a lot can be said on just how much their behaviours parallel, and I really find that a good thing.

Of course, these two bands have their differences. The Blues Brothers gravitated towards covers, sometimes putting their unique spin (always comedians), while Subwoolfer writes their own music, dabbling a bit in parodies. And, obviously, the type of music differ between the two, but both have an understanding of one thing: having fun doing what they do. And as a result, we the audience enjoy the escape from reality.

I bring all of this to attention with purpose, which I hope I sort of implied thus far. And I hope, however unlikely, that somebody from Subwoolfer reads all of this cause I believe this with all my heart. What Subwoolfer is right now merely scratches the surface on what the future could possibly give them. 

The whole story of them, I think, should be further explored. Really lean into it cause it really is some of the most bizarre yet entertaining things out there - fun for fun sake! which lets be real, is sorely needed these days. If Bill and Ted can exist within the sci-fi realm, giving spotlight to rock and roll, I say why not Subwoolfer to pop? The lore of Subwoolfer screams for something like this!

"Light Version"

Remember: the Blues Brothers started off as a musical sketch on SNL before exploding into an absolute icon, both in music (shining a spotlight on blues and rhythm) and comedy. Subwoolfer has both music and comedy already and has launched themselves on Earth at Melodi Grand Prix and Eurovision. Is it really that far-fetched to think a movie could possibly be produced on them one day? I don't, and in fact, I rather think it is a logical step at some point in the future.

For something like this to happen, I do think it will depend on marketing. As you may well know, I live in Canada. Outside of Eurovision, I know of nothing Norwegian that has made its mark here. I barely know anyone in real life who even knows what Eurovision is (only met one person). So it would be difficult, I would imagine, but not totally impossible. There have been countries that have had fame in North America and across the globe, really. The Korean boy band BTS comes immediately to mind. So it is very much doable by today's standards. 

And Subwoolfer has a bit more to them than just their music which, I think, they could really play up on.

However the story has to be carefully crafted and not rushed. Doing for the sake of doing never is a recipe for success (a topic I could go on about). The story would have to capture the magic and charm of Subwoolfer while at the same time tell a captivating story, embracing and expanding the lore. And, of course, showcase their music and talents, incorporating them cleverly into the plot. Anything outside of that could prove disastrous.

"Dark Version"

This concept, as I like to dub "The Wolf Brothers," really does dwell rent free in my head, and I hope one day I see some fruition of it cause I see a lot of the same entertainment vibes between the two bands. Perhaps there was some sort inspiration; I can't say for certain, of course, but the signs? It is really hard not to conclude that.

I know Subwoolfer does their own thing and is their own thing; they are very much unique. And I hope they continue in that, perhaps even dabble in some covers themselves. It's just some of the similarities, I find at least, are hard to not see. I really do believe we could be seeing the beginning of something really great for this generation. Time will only tell.

"Light and Dark" versions of the "Wolf Brothers" posters were made by yours truly; I used PicArt to put it together. Also, I want to thank the Subcub community for always having any picture that I can't find myself.

And if anyone from Subwoolfer reads this, I am truly honoured. Wolf you guys! 💛💛