this is not pitchfork

I listened to this album a lot when I was going through a “woe is me” phase. It wasn’t the lyrics that attracted me to the songs at first; it was Jonah Matranga’s voice. His vocals embodied exactly what I was feeling. He sounded tired and worn out. While that might not sound like a compliment, it worked for Jonah and for this album. His voice has such a rawness, such jagged edges that it comes off as imperfect and sometimes imperfection is just what you’re looking for.

I thought this would be one of those records I use up and put away after I’m done wringing my emotions out of it, but Water and Solutions stayed with me. When I dusted the self absorption of the “fuck my life” attitude off of me, I really, really listened to the songs. There’s a lot more here than I gave it credit for. There’s a positivity amongst all that woe, a few laughs between the tears, reconciliation after the anger. There are clever lyrics and a subtlety to the music that allows it to sort of sneak into your soul and before you know it, you are wrapped up in everything about it. Listening to Water and Solutions is like being wrapped in a warm blanket.

I came for the whining. I stayed for the warm fuzzies.

Listen: Waiting For Sunday