Nichole Wagner – Plastic Flowers
This showcase gets off to an indulgent start with the melancholy vocals of Colorado-born & Austin-based Nichole Wagner (acoustic guitar) who possesses a fine voice with a warm tone. “Monsters” is a well-cushioned melody — not a downer, just a singer laying out a truthful confessional-type narrative about how she feels.
Since her first LP in 2018 Nichole’s underpinning is a cross between Emmylou Harris, Janis Ian, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Mary Chapin Carpenter & the late Nanci Griffith. That’s a wide spectrum but originality has its expressive shadows. Ms. Wagner has assembled a set of ambitious tunes that culminate in a folky, pop-rock anatomy.
Produced by Justin Douglas, 10 inspiring melodies make Plastic Flowers (Drops June 7/Star Catcher/34:00). The topics explore laying out feelings, the different relationships she has had (romantic, platonic, or familial), a look at addiction from several perspectives & reflects on hope, fear & self-awareness. A hefty menu to say the least. But a challenge Nichole is up to.
These may or may not resonate with every listener. But…what will grab their attention is the natural quality of Nichole’s voice. There’s sincerity throughout, not quite Sarah MacLachlan but there’s a spirited thrust to her songs (“Self Defense”) that’s gutsy (not raw) the way so many female ‘60s hit songs were arranged. Nichole doesn’t possess a valium-induced vocal style or abstract demeanor (Ani DeFranco).
She’s focused. Not a showboat-oriented singer. Hers is more about feelings, impressions, mood & atmosphere. In a way, without being dour, she articulates in a Nick Drake elegance & which is evident in “Plastic Flowers.” The piano works well with Nichole’s vocals. Lyrically, it’s a strong effort. The arrangement is captivating & she displays a laid-back confidence in her content.
Her voice switches direction on “I Know Better This Time,” where it’s a more self-reliant cut closer to the bone feeling. Not so vulnerable as her voice may suggest but sung with her ever-present finesse. The old-fashioned organ adds a veneer to her delicacy & lots of nice musical chemistry.
There are plenty of catchy melodies that make up this collection. Her voice sounds young but what’s value added is that she sounds like she has lived & experienced things & is soul-baring where necessary.
Maybe the only criticism I can offer is that she be careful that her singing doesn’t fall between the cracks of narrative the way Lou Reed had sung which doesn’t suit her since her voice has far more dazzle.
Nothing here is half-hearted. While not entirely a set of confessional songs many do have an honest emotive aspiration supported by musicians with all the necessary expertise.
Highlights – “Self Defense,” “Plastic Flowers,” “I Know Better This Time,” “A Way With It,” “Until the Water Comes” & “Beauty Where You Find It.”
Color image courtesy of Erica Nix. CD @ https://www.nicholewagnermusic.com/
Enjoy our premiere here: Video Premiere: Nichole Wagner “A Way With It”
