Tuesday, November 1, 2016

On the Juke: Julien Baker & Phoebe Bridgers

Julien Baker, with Sprained Ankle and Phoebe Bridgers with her three song album Killer, pairing with her single "Waiting Room" seem to musically intertwine in my mind. These two distinct people with two distinct albums seem incredibly akin to one another. So simple, yet so unique. Not much in the way of sound experimentation, but rather in a guitar fueled desolate beauty. These two women seem to embody the heart of folk in a haunting sort of way.

In my own opinion, and maybe this is just from my lack of this particular ability, the best sort of writing is the writing that can capture a very poignant idea in the fewest words possible. Poetry often does this. To have a unique experience, record that through words, yet still have another person or even many people connect with it because of their common humanity is a beautiful thing. These two women seem to do just that with their music.

Through their individual hard times, the emotions and memories conveyed through their simple sounds and simple lyrics are genius, really. Complicated situations are broken down into mere clips, mere fragments that convey an entire story, an entire relationship or injury, situation, whatever.
Though they don't have a lot of music out, this leaves listeners hungry for more. It's the sheer, raw sadness, depression, love. They wreak with depth of emotion, touching on some of the barest human experiences one could have, exploring the lowest of the lows, screaming out for the highest highs.

For me, in this season, coming out from a serious spiritual high, they are a cold warmth over my contemplative heart and soul. If you're willing to feel, put their albums through on your queue. Just remember: open your eyes and hold your nose - you're about to dive real deep.

P.S. Both of their albums are available on Spotify, however if you want more from Bridgers than just four songs, check out her Soundcloud page https://soundcloud.com/phoebebridgers


Photo courtesy of https://julienbaker.bandcamp.com/

Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/phoebebridgers/

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