Wild Edge by Wind and Sail
Wild Edge by Wind and Sail
Thoughts on the 2023 EP by Wind and Sail
Hi Pal,
Welcome to another review where I tell you how I feel about a specific album or EP release. We will check out Wild Edge by Wind and Sail.
Wind and Sail is an indie Christian husband and wife duo, Graham and Abby Allen. My encounter with their music was a happy accident that reaffirmed my love for beautiful song cover art. Even before hearing a note from them, I was already in love with the artistic direction of their song covers. Thankfully, their music is just as impressive and it’s all on display on their debut EP, Wild Edge.
“Shalom” kicks off this EP as an impressive indie folk tune. It has a simple song structure with gorgeous harmonies and instrumentation that show they have been playing together for a long time. It would not be out of place to talk about their obvious chemistry for a few more lines but from the first listen, it was clear to me that their greatest strength lies in their song-writing and lyricism. Shalom would work well as a spoken word piece even without the music because it has such powerful, striking lines and sections.
When did it become cool to be hopeless
When did we find ourselves by being out of place
Sometimes I roll my windows down
Let the galloping wind ride over my face
I think it’s pretty cool celebrities are human
We can cut them a break, they don’t have to be God
But when I’m lost in life, man, I use them
To drive the knife into all that I’m not
The way this track expresses the concept of insecurities is distinct and its words really stick long after you listen. On “Timeless”, their sonic diversity starts to shine through with clear indie rock and pop influences on full display. It’ll be a bit repetitive to highlight lyrics for every song, but I’d highly recommend paying attention to this one as well. If you listen closely, it’s easy to hear the Scriptural references — like Psalm 90:12 — merging smoothly with the overall narrative of the song.
“Wild Edge” is a lovely tune that speaks about not giving up on another person. In some ways, it is open to multiple interpretations. On one hand, it can be a reflection of what Christ does for us — for example the Parable of the Lost Coin or the Lost Sheep. It can also be about two people and the beauty of a true sacrificial friendship. It’s a solid title track and I like the call-and-response elements between Graham and Abby in the chorus.
“Remind” begins with a twinge of melancholy and it's a deceptive twist that doesn’t prepare you for how smooth and groovy this song actually is. I love the verses by both of them and though this song touches on damper emotions, it’s ultimately a song of hope.
“Quick Draw” is my favourite song on this EP, and although it is not the title track, I think it best represents all that this record is. It’s a song that reminds us of the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross and His love for us. These powerful words,
You may feel small
but the Lord over all
has your name
written in His hands
“Boy and the Sea” feels like the epicenter of the entire listening experience and showcases the couple's storytelling prowess. This ability is something that comes up in flashes throughout the EP, but it really takes center stage here. I also love the strings on the tune and as a huge fan of chamber folk, it ticks all the right boxes. “Be Thou My Vision” closes out this journey as their own simple rendition of the classic hymn.
If you’re a fan of indie folk or pop that creates a unique ambiance and has enough lyrical depth to keep you engaged as you try to decipher them, you can’t go wrong with this EP. Every song is at least good and there are a couple that really shine. I can’t ask for much more from a debut release.
Genre(s): Indie Folk, Chamber Pop
RATING: 4/5
Listen Here:
Apple Music • Deezer • Other Links
Connect with Wind and Sail
Instagram • Facebook
That’s it for today.
Catch you soon!
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