Ambient Folk/Indie
At least in the mindset of a third world millennial, inundated with the complexities and nuances of social media, expression is probably one of the most difficult existential crises every person will face in some way or another. After all, the likeness of everyone seems to blend unflinchingly despite the constant trope of individualism Americans are taught from young ages – we are all the same in the belief that somewhere deep down inside maybe we are actually different. And, hey, is that a bad thing?
Expression takes courage, passion, will, ambition, drive and a million other positive sounding words that show valor and fortitude, but the truth is that there’s more to it than that. It takes failure, sleepless nights, moments of timidity, proverbially undressing yourself (sometimes in a very real way) and it gives the worst type of panic attacks if done incorrectly.
Arguably, this is why Gumption, by Your Friend, is titled what it is.
Even at first glance at the song titles of Your Friend’s first LP, Gumption, it’s easy to see identity is a theme throughout the album, a paradigm of any dilemma regarding expression. Song titles like “Come Back From It” “Who Will I Be In The Morning,” suggest departing from an old self and the underlying desire to reinvent, even track names like “Desired Thing” illustrate that feeling of disarming and unfettered attachment to someone else – an identity in it of itself.
This is especially true in some of her lyrics, with highlights like “No one really ages quite how they envisioned,” from the title track. There’s an underlying look at identity both in the eyes of others and in the mirror. Additionally, lyrics from the chorus of “Nothing Moved,” “How I see you, How you see me.”
Taryn Miller, main writer of the Your Friend, is new to the game. She’s made it clear with this LP that she is bigger than most fish in this musically saturated pond. The album is filled with big sounds, both digital and real, which makes for an eerie blend guided confidently by the swooning vocals Miller.
Sometimes it’s difficult to peg just who or what Miller’s vocals remind you of; however, several tracks sound similar to what vocal child of Thom Yorke and Robin Pecknold, of the Fleet Foxes, would spawn. Yorke in range and Pecknold in timbre. This is true except that Miller, and it’s difficult to say why exactly, in the ends of some vocal melodies sounds trilled in a uniquely feminine fashion. Not much more to say besides that it is absolutely entrancing, mollifying even.
One of her friends once described her music as “ambient folk” with a tinge of “avant-garde.” Though there are heavy booms occasionally, synthesizers, clicks from high hats and self-effacing instruments to fill the background, the lyrics and harmonies are assuredly “folk.” The tempos are often fierce in quality and temperament, but they are tethered closely to Miller’s calming vocals. During the occasional build-up, It’s like a sonic hurricane is manifesting and Miller’s voice is the eye of the storm.
What starts as a quiet, cacophony of sounds slowly merges into a relaxing contemplative piece “Heathering,” the first track, suddenly evolves into an even bigger sound with just the slightest tempo change. This is a good example of what Gumption has to offer – a wide range of mood and atmospherics, sonic ideas, captivating vocal performances and an overall impressive showing for a first album release.
Perhaps Miller’s best effort is “Gumption,” the title track. It is a unique blend of several ideas she explores throughout the album. Overall, it drones in a haunting fashion like “Desired Things,” another track on the album. The percussion is almost like a singularity from a martial drum line, her vocals are somber in texture, and the mix is balanced – it’s easy to get lost in your own head.
At the end of the day, Miller is just a fan of sounds. Gumption is a decidedly weird record and there are countless moments that demonstrate its weirdness. There are momentary recordings of a refrigerator buzzing, the rustling of a flowing creek and the droning of an engine bustle.
It takes an artist to gather the sounds and visuals the world offers, to give life to seemingly mundane and inconsequential moments, and to give them color and dimension – this is no easy task.
Perhaps art is one of the purest ways to escape the loneliness of a daily life fully entrenched in struggle. It takes someone else reaching through the guise of art with a hand outstretched that says, “hey, me too,” to make it through the trials and tribulations life slings. Though art is purely subjective, well, largely anyway, this writer is confident Miller’s music rises above the banal. This is one of those albums, this is one of those moments.
Gumption will be released January 29th, 2016.
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