Stirring in its range from brisk pop/rock to jazz-touched sophistication, Alone in a Crowded Space is a compelling new EP from Water Street. Based in Blairstown, New Jersey, the band excel with a dynamic appeal — from the saxophone-laden rock contagiousness of opening track “The White Rabbit” to the subdued introspection within “Everest,” which attains a sophisti-pop chilliness in its emotively affecting “words couldn’t do,” central hook.
“The funny thing with Water Street is that we can never define what genre we fit into, and this EP continues to exemplify that. From moodier tracks to upbeat rock, they’re all distinctly Water Street,” says drummer Connor Konecik. “I’m really proud of this collection of songs. I think they’re some of the best we’ve ever written.” The lineup also includes Dave Paulson (singer/guitarist), Brendon Gardner (bassist), Julia Aiello (singer), Edward Woodcock (lead guitarist), and Alex Kerssen (keys/saxophone).
“What I love so much about this collection of music is that everyone is so much more involved as a whole with building the music together,” says Paulson, who has been the primary songwriter to date. This recent EP enamors in being a byproduct of more collaborative songwriting, resulting in an enjoyably eclectic listening experience.
A multitude of highlights show within. “Afraid of Forever” is a great showcase of Julia Aiello’s melodic vocal presence, set here within an initial folk-forward arsenal that simmers into a title-touting pop radiance. Elsewhere, “Overdue” embraces the act’s harder-rocking charms, alternating between bouncy piano-touched bounciness and “tell me who you are!” anthemic rock outpourings. “Livin’ Mine” is another soaring rock success, highlighting both of the vocalists’ talents. Alone in a Crowded Place is an impactful success of an EP from Water Street.
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“The White Rabbit” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
