Wayward Vine is an indie-folk Americana project whose core is Valerie Rachel (vocals, violin, keyboards, Hammond organ, and tambourine) and Greg Lawrence (vocals, guitar, percussion, harmonica). The duo explore themes of heartbreak, obsession, and the wide range of human emotions. It would appear that most places around the world welcome the new year on the first of January but in New England, the calendar takes on a different kind of tempo, where the start of September and onset of autumn is the time of new beginnings. It’s a unique aspect of life; and a time to pause, reflect, and embrace a fresh start. This sentiment swirls through Wayward Vine’s debut album `The Fall`.
The album opens with title track `The Fall` which was written during the pandemic looking to brighter times. The piano keys and violin hues and tone of this number brought to mind the sentiment of The Counting Crows `A Long December` with its reflective air and hopeful message. A really breathtaking opener. We have a dreamier feel with `Hannah` which seems to reflect on an acquaintance who seems to have turned a corner after an ordeal but you fear that it may not be long lasting.
`Narcissist`s Disguise` has more of a pop ambience and relates to severing connections, breaking off contact, disassociating, detaching, and distancing oneself from a self-absorbed relationship. I read that `Dancing On Your Basement Floor` explores a moment when a relationship is either going to move into something more serious or meet its end. A contemplative musing whose musical backing reflects that glow, thrill, and intoxication of a blossoming romance.
`Implode` had a Cure `Boys Don`t Cry` vibe musically but appears to be about somebody who treats life recklessly and has a healthy disregard to rules and regulations but seems to have sucked you into becoming a willing accomplice. We have a reflective Americana / folk like texture to the pensive `Just Like That` which may be about unrequited love and the search for fulfilment.
`Hard Way To Live` is a rolling slice of shimmering Americana about the darker side of life lived in the shade. A tale of a romance that never had a chance follows in the reflective `History` another track that kind of drifts along with a folk tinged quality.
`End Of May` is a breakup song with a kind of pragmatic lilt as if referring to its inevitable conclusion while `Turn Yourself Around` is an expression and reflection on current difficult times endured in the duo`s homeland and their hope that the place they love soon takes a much more positive direction.
The album closes with the piano driven thoughtful `Imperfect Beings` where recognising each other’s limitations can lead to a more fulfilling relationship.
`The Fall` is full of matters relating to intricate and thorny relationships and other passionate chronicles that affect all our daily lives. It`s pretty intense at times but has a hopeful and powerful message to convey. It`s the kind of offering that will need a number of plays to really seep in.
Rating 8 /10
