What Keeps The Heart Afloat
Thieves’ Den, 2021
8/10
Listen to What Keeps The Heart Afloat
A Texas multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter that some of us will recognize as a member of the Americana outfit The Independent Thieves, here Garrett Wieland finds a place for his quieter songs to reside, as songs about mental health, love and and literature unfold with a heartfelt, sincere delivery.
Wieland starts the listen with the calm strumming of “Resolutions”, where his smooth, poetic singing is met with agile drumming from Mason Shirley on the warm Americana, and “Dennis” follows with a gentle approach of soft guitar alongside eloquent storytelling amid the folk influenced climate.
Further on, “The Firewatch (Gabriel’s Story)” displays Wieland’s pensive song craft where subtle cello from Carrie Mae Pierce makes a big impact, while “Devotion” gets a bit more rugged while still embracing much beauty in the country rock spirit. ‘A Hand In The Dark”, one of the best selections, then illustrates bare but impactful songwriting with much attention to detail.
Close to the end, “Jesus What I Mess” welcomes pedal steel from Shirley as Wieland’s piano helps lay the foundation for an intimate and stirring album highlight, and “Mustard Seed” exits the listen with just Wieland and his guitar emitting a timeless approach of organic, meticulous sounds.
An effort that illustrates Wieland’s divers skill set, his folk and country nods are certainly appreciated, and let’s hope he finds time for more solo work in the future, cause he knows his way around a song we won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Megan Lacy- Salvation; Last Year’s Man- Brave The Storm