Wyndham: Double You EP

Wyndham is a master-of-all-trades type of musician. He plays a plethora of instruments, has participated in a number of acts, and formed a few projects of his own (Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Diamond Doves). The amount of experience he has accrued over the years of along with his various styles spanning from street music, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Bon Iver, Dr. Dog, etc., and the array of instruments including the guitar, trombone, harmonium, keyboards, all come together and condense into Double You. With all that weight of experience as an artist, one would agree that Wyndham has much to say, but he can give a succinct insight of his world in a few short tracks.

In the first track, “Morning After,” he sets the movement with his acoustic, keeps the flow with his synth that sounds as serene as playing wet wine glasses through a rotary speaker. “Shot Up” is a spacey/grungy track; the vocals sound like they were recorded in a bathroom, a bassline that doesn’t just keep the rhythm, but also leads its own vibratory section of the track. The guitar is mainly an accent to the drums that keep the imagery of the song revolving. A faster track that doesn’t keep to itself within the small room of its fellow tracks. It lets the listener in on the secret that is the brooding energy that is cooking up in overall mood of the album.

“Gypsy” is a softer track with intimate lyrics that replay the moment when you meet the perfect stranger. The drums elevate the track, but never are abrasive. The guitar is set at a classic tone consisting of sun-stained aquatic reverberations. There is a horn section that eases in every so often, but they are set far enough in the back of the ambience to not punch or ring through too much. “Bad Luck” allows the horns to take the reins on this song. The bass glides through, and the guitar is softly strummed to set a peaceful pace and tone.

Double You has only four tracks and just around fifteen minutes in length, but by the time it ends, it gives the sense of satisfaction. It is due to the flawless composition of the EP, from each note, to each progression, to the perfect combination of layers of instruments, his lyrics and voice, a balanced ebb and flow of the song structure, and a production quality that deserves some applause. This EP has it all, but will more than likely leave you wanting more.

Rating: 8.5/10

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