Wanderkid
Sunday Best, 2021
9/10
Even though he was born in the midwest and raised in Europe, JW Francis plays music that sounds like his current New York City home, and this sophomore album show traces of The Velvet Underground running through his quirky guitar pop.
“John, Take Me With You” starts the listen with intricate guitar work and thumping drums as a charming, jangly form of indie-rock unfolds with warmth and melody, and “I Love You” follows with an infectious lo-fi approach that uses repetition strategically, not too mention carefully layered synth.
Further into the listen, “Only With You” presents a dreamy landscape of playful bass lines and inviting bedroom-pop that’s not short on vocal harmonies, while “WANDERKID” moves swiftly and amid a curious energy that illustrates timeless songwriting prowess. “Don’t Fall Apart”, the album highlight, then brings a cautious, soulful spirit to the creative tension.
“I’m Probably A Ghost” lands late in the disc, and emits a bouncy, spacey feel that channels the ‘80s alongside a solid beat, and “Cars” exits the listen with much intimacy, as soothing female vocals accompany the gentle and poetic finish.
An artist whose version of pop is never predictable and touches on punk, surf, garage and indie-rock, JW Francis possesses a wealth of talent, and his song craft parallels the greatness of some of the best work on the Polyvinyl label, which is no easy feat.
Travels well with: Science Is Fiction- Don’t Everybody Thank Me At Once; Corvair- Corvair