Drawing us in with situational, yet introspective prose, Water Street open Afraid of Forever with relatable themes, and a pristine pop vocal, showcasing a timeless and dynamic soundscape. Needless to say, we are immediately captivated by the band’s charismatic depth and thought-provoking philosophies.
Afraid of Forever delves into a familiar narrative of love and uncertainty, underscored by a vintage-inspired instrumentation that sets a nostalgic yet poignant tone. The song’s thematic nature is articulated by lead singer Julia Aiello, who shares her personal turmoil during its creation. Reflecting on a relationship teetering on the edge, Aiello wrestles with questions about commitment and happiness, ultimately choosing self-fulfillment over obligation.
Aiello describes the song as a vessel for her emotions, transforming personal angst into a work of art. This cathartic process is mirrored in the band’s lush musical arrangement. The track features a tight rhythm section, rich strings, and smooth horns, crafting an energetic backdrop for the call and response vocals from singer and guitarist Dave Paulson.
Keys and saxophonist Alex Kerssen complements this sentiment, highlighting the brutal emotional dichotomy present in unbalanced affections. The song resonates with anyone who has grappled with the confusion of mixed feelings, poignantly asking, “shouldn’t I know by now?”
Despite the melancholic lyrics, the music itself is surprisingly upbeat and lively, and certainly synch deal friendly. We also learn that bassist Brendon Gardner enjoyed the liberating experience of recording the track, aiming to capture the essence of an upright bass in a swing setting. The opus was recorded throughout 2024 at Little Brother Audio in West Philadelphia, produced and mixed by Tyler Ripley.
The band, hailing from Blairstown, is comprised of six members: Dave Paulson (singer/guitarist), Brendon Gardner (bassist), Connor Konecnik (drums), Julia Aiello (singer), Edward Woodcock (lead guitarist), and Alex Kerssen (keys/saxophone). They aim to create relatable, soulful music, and Afraid of Forever is a testament to this mission.
We love what Water Street are manifesting, and have added Afraid of Forever to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our brand new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of the band, including Decaf Daydream, and anticipate future releases!