Wilderado – Talker
Just because someone sounds similar to past artists doesn’t mean they’re copying, emulating, or aren’t creatively original. It means that they’re on the same wavelength & share musical instincts & the proof is in the interpretation. While this Tulsa, Oklahoma band (land of Reba McIntyre) is quite capable, delightfully musical & shows an abundance of musical clarity – they have an arresting blend of vocal virtuosity. Their roots are in an Americana-pop aggregation mined by some bands that didn’t become household words but had damn good circuity in their showcase.
Wilderado is a tight-beating, hard swinging & savvy unit that seems to offer the same deliciously identifiable style as Big Back Forty (“Blood,” “Been So Gone”) & the C. Gibbs Band (“Drag the Ashes,” “Cut My Spirit Dry”). There’s a touch of the Barenaked Ladies, especially in the arrangements but vocalist Max Rainer has a nice under-the-surface growl to his voice that isn’t harsh or too raspy — a nicely balanced aggressive vocal with personality.
This is Wilderado’s 2nd indie-folk release as Talker (Dropped Sept 20/Bright Antenna Records) with 12 well-recorded pieces produced by Chad Copelin & James McAlister. The music itself is a wide-open expanse of highway, vast fields & vistas.
In some cases, simplicity is the strongest message & as displayed in “Sometimes,” a folky significant pop blend reinforced by the dynamic instrumental break that elevates Rainer’s vocal in a bolero style, getting louder, more enthusiastic & well, it’s an impressive few minutes.
The songs are not repetitious within their framework. There is a sameness but that’s only because they have a signature style & single voice. But the songs themselves are distinguished & sophisticated. Something you don’t hear too often today by younger artists who try for the gold ring in mainstream/commercial music. It’s all about streams, sales & airplay which can compromise the quality of the music. It then reflects the fashion of the day & not the personality of the musicians.
Wilderado has personality & people are listening. Now the trick is to hold tight to that momentum. With this second effort, ears should perk up even more & be curious. There’s no masterful individual piece here yet but they’re a productive unit, have an appealing sound & they know what they’re doing.
Average magicians pull rabbits from their hats. Wilderado needs to pull a musical python from their hat. I say that because I know they can. (Now, I’m starting to sound like a producer).
This is an excellent band.
Highlights – “Talker,” “Bad Luck,” “Simple,” “Higher Than Most,” “Coming To Town,” “Sometimes,” “Tomorrow” & “Waiting On You.”
Musicians – Max Rainer (vocals/guitar), Tyler Wimpee (guitar/vocals) & Justin Kila (drums).
Color image courtesy of Bright Antenna Records website. CD @ https://www.brightantenna.com/artists/wilderado
