With the songs that we’ve already covered along with the grand total number of singles that are out in the world for all to hear (Eight!) as well off the forthcoming full-length by Wayward Vine, you’d think this review would practically write itself. But that’s where you’d be wrong because repeated listens, especially within the context of a full record, only add to the depth within each song. And as lovers of the art of the album, we applaud and welcome the opportunity to re-dissect each and every bit of The Fall over and over and over some more. For science, of course.
Headed into the greatest season of all time with an aptly titled album such as The Fall, Wayward Vine navigate relationship woes both familial and otherwise, obsession, and ,of course, heartbreak over the course of the 11 tracks that make up the Boston Indie-Folk Americana outfit’s debut album. Much like fellow MA Hybrid/Genre-splicing collective Other Brother Darryl, Wayward Vine is more than just the sum of its’ parts spearheaded by Valerie Rachel (Vocals, Violin, Keys, Hammond, Tambourine) and Greg Lawrence (Vocals, Guitar, Percussion, Harmonica) and bulked up by the massive talents of Yoni Gordon (Electric guitar), Jose Downes (Bass) and Jim St. Pierre (Drums and percussion) in different configurations over the course of the album.
“The Fall” is such a trip even though it was RELEASED LAST YEAR, sounding so familiar yet so earnest and is the BEST (Last all caps in this review… WE THINK!) opener easing listeners into the dense textures that WV create with Rachel and Lawrence as the dual lighthouses in the distance guiding listeners home. “Hannah” is upbeat and bright as is “Narcisisst’s Guide” which showcase Wayward Vine’s penchant for masking the sour with an abundant of sweet while the hits keep coming in the form of “Dancing On Your Basement Floor” which echoes those sentiments in the most saccharine way possible.
“Implode” is a nice amalgamation of genres with Pop, Americana, and Alternative all sharing top billing as “Just Like That” provides what we imagine the most authentic down home Country/Folk mash up would sound like except, y’know, created in Massachusetts. “Hard Way” is a “new one” and sounds just at home on the period-centric O Brother, Where Art Though? soundtrack as it does gracing the stages of the New England Americana Festival as “History” is debonair with an air of The Afghan Whigs or The Gutter Twins (So, Greg Dulli.) mixed with John Denver for the ultimate in modern AlternAmericana (Not a word).
“End Of May” is a piano-laden somber ditty disguised as an uplifting anthem, “Turn Yourself Around”, this deep in, sounds even fresher than when it was initially released almost a year ago and then “Imperfect Beings” is a triumphant finale bringing to mind Bruce Hornsby at times (“The Way It Is” especially) and we think you couldn’t go wrong ending on such a memorable note.
The Fall is out now and you can find your copy now in a variety of locations when you head here or to the stream below. For more from Wayward Vine, including upcoming live outings to celebrate the release (Like the one happening at O’Brien’s on October 9th with Dirt Road Souls and Molly Pinto Madigan), be sure to follow the socials which can be found here or here.