Wild Pink’s new EP 5 Songs is an unusual follow up to the Brooklyn natives previous album Yolk in the Fur. With their lush synths and indie-rock prowess, Wild Pink have proven themselves as a band that has perfected rock extroversion and muted optimism. Unlike their other albums, the EP is a mix of remixed tracks and new, already recognizable sounds.
With slightly nonsensical lyrics, “Coaches Who Cry” is like a child who has loads of stories to tell but all the stories come out at once. It is a mix of everyday conversation and poetic ambivalence. The track transcends between everyday conversation to dramatic anticipation, with stories of the past sounding more solid and convincing. Examples of everyday boring conversations are supported by a repetitive melody however the most impactful and solid pieces of music accompany the more poetic lyrics solidifying Wild Pink’s sureness of themselves in their artistic role.
The other original track, “How’s the Tap Here”, is a nostalgic reminder of Third Eye Blind‘s 90’s acoustic sound and deals with the identical nature of culture and society adhering to constant norms. Ross’s lyrics are causal and sometimes plebeian but they cut to the chase when it comes to complicated topics: “One to three million cells will pass away in a second’s time; The space is free where I used to be; And I catch myself on my phone”. The lyrics bring a poetic aspect to neuropsychology and the power of behaviour and routine over creative and unusual practices. The track sounds like Tom Petty with repetitious melody folding itself into a proper folk-indie song.
The remixed tracks take on a surprisingly pessimistic vibe. “Love is Better” is the epitome of 80’s summer synth, conjuring images of hazy, lazy, swimming pool filled summers. The remix, however, is structural and sounds more like a computational model. Instead of sitting back an enjoying the sun, the remix sounds like it’s working through something and making calculations. It is as if life’s problems have created a thick layer of consciousness and this track is trying to work on them. Like the original track, which explains the role of love in life and its ability to make things just a little better, the remix introduces chimes and bright sounding melodies consistently trying to work through the drudge and weighted heaviness of problems.
The other remixes continue with this less than optimistic vibe. “There is a Ledger (Shy Layers Remix)” starts out with an electro drumbeat, creating a sensation that is not unlike popping candy. While the original version was folky and upbeat, the electro-synth envelops the track in a more pessimistic vibe something akin to an anthem for the end of the world. “All Some Frenchman’s Joke (Eerie Gaits Remix)” is haunting and heavenly all in one sitting. Closing your eyes while listening to this track will have you on a journey through dark space and will lull you into a sense of intergalactic calm.
While Yolk in the Fur was an indie rock marvel helped by the outward optimism of their frontman, 5 Songs is an insight into the inner workings of the band. It is the consciousness and thought-process of an artistic and creative mind. An electronic folk journey for all the senses.
Rating: 7.8/10
