We previously featured Water Street as they shared a soulful and poignant commentary with Afraid of Forever, so when we heard that the band was back with Closer, we couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience!

Establishing the mood with a playful electric guitar riff, expanding with horns, drums and bass into a vibrant and robust power-pop, blues-rock hybrid energy, Closer opens with a high emotional quotient and an intentional message.

In essence, Closer is about finding connection and letting oneself open up to the notion of new possibilities. It tells the story of meeting someone who feels right and learning to surrender to that sentiment.

The upbeat rhythm and soulful energy are designed to mirror the excitement of falling into something real. It feels hopeful, warm and full of life – something that we all need right now – a reminder that love and trust truly begin when we stop holding back!

Speaking on their influences, the band confesses, “The song is influenced by Lake Street Dive, Couch and Lawrence. Water Street drew from those influences featuring female vocals and catchy melodies backed by horns, but with Water Street‘s signature electric guitars and throwback feel of 80s rock.”

We learn that Closer stands out as the first single from Water Street’s upcoming fifth album and their second collaboration with Philadelphia indie label Free Dive Collective. It was intentionally created to manifest a new era in the band’s sound, blending their signature electric guitars with a vibrant horn section, giving the track a bold and soulful vibe, capturing both nostalgia and evolution!

Naturally, we cannot wait to hear the album, but in the meantime, we have added Closer to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Water Street!

The post Water Street reminds us that love and trust truly begin when we stop holding back; and tease robust new sound for upcoming album with their single, Closer appeared first on KIMU.

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!

The post Water Street share soulful and poignant commentary with new single, Afraid of Forever appeared first on KIMU.