.png)
On the heavy comedown of touring the states, Wunderhorse frontman and founder, Jacob Slater has released his debut album, Pinky, I Love You. Despite running just over the 25-minute mark, Jacob Slater is able to encapsulate his songwriting talent narrowly, continuing the rawness and vulnerability he has impressed critics with.
Contrary to Slater and the band's usual on-stage personas, the promo rollout for this release was somewhat reserved, with Slater possibly aiming for a more personal and intimate reception from the ever-growing Wunderhorse fanbase. After their debut album, Cub, released last year, Wunderhorse has been widely regarded as the most promising British rock band of our times, being hailed by critics and fans alike. One critic wrote that their debut provides "some of the most well-crafted and interest rock songs of this decade"; Which I wholeheartedly agree with. Supporting indie giants like Sam Fender, Fontaines D.C., Pixies (and Foals) has projected Wunderhose into renowned prominence within the confines of the British rock scene.
Slater's solo album, Pinky, I Love You, feels like an escape from the band's rising expectations, however.
An escape back to Cornwall wherein he moved to after finding very limited success with his band Dead Pretties in London. While in Cornwall, Slater would find odd labor jobs, until becoming a surfing instructor in Newquay. Most obviously in the album cover and lyrics, the album reminisces Slater's lonely life in Cornwall working where he could while keeping the music dream alive.
The album simply feels like it has been written, performed, and produced solely by Jacob Slater, conjuring up the image of him in his attic (overlooking the Cornish seaside) with nothing but a rusty microphone and a guitar. The beautiful simplicity and stripped-back nature of this album makes for a listen which is as much melancholic as it is comforting and relatable. The album begins with a mellow heartbreaker, 'One For The Pigeons'. Fellow Wunderhorse fans will be familiar with the song as it was the B-side for their classic first single 'Teal'. The opener shines in Slater's vulnerability as he pleads to "die with you in my arms", being backed by a calm but bitter guitar melody.
"and if my memories of those days look like paintings in the rain
i will remember forever and always"
Jacob Slater - 'One For The Pigeons'
The track sets the tone leading into 'I Do' which is another highlight from the album. Slater's luscious vocals are buried into his guitar once again as he confesses to years of hopelessness and mental struggles. It's difficult not to compare the lonely duo of Slater and his guitar to the likes of Nick Drake and Elliott Smith, who Slater has mentioned before when talking about his inspirations.
Pinky, I Love You seems to fly by, with Slater staying true and consistent to the mellow, stripped-back ballads previously. Lead single of the album, 'Kissin' Booth' recalls Slater's feelings of betrayal when being cheated on, with the music video below.
Despite the introverted title, 'Untitled' is the longest and most painful track. Slater callbacks to the album opener, with themes of death, fear and a longing for his mother in particular. He also showcases his signature vocal style which almost pleads in how raw and raspy it is. The album finishes on a cover of Audrey Hepburn's original 'Moon River'. Slater adds his own style to the classic, with brooding vocals and a severely sharp production that concludes the album on a lovely little note.
Pinky, I Love You is a powerful debut from Jacob Slater, who with this release has given even more hope to the future of British rock music. It is almost certain that he will continue to drive Wunderhorse to the very forefront of the UK music scene. Although the album often feels cramped and small-scale in the range Slater explores, the album is a sweet listen to calm any listener.
You can buy the limited edition pink vinyl here.
Listen to the album here.
Comentarios