JAKE WARDWELL - "The Drowsy View"

Review by Adam Jones - MUSIC FARMER 5

A Soul-Stirring Blend of Indie-Rock and Jazz for the Ages

There are moments when an artist's creative journey comes together to produce something truly magical. "The Drowsy View," the debut solo EP from indie-rock musician JAKE WARDWELL, is one such moment. With its mix of jazzy vibes and an indie-rock alt feel, this collection of songs takes listeners on an immersive sonic adventure that is both intimate and powerful.

Opening with the experimental intro of eerie ambient guitar effects, "this is the comedown" wastes no time in establishing the distinct sonic atmosphere of this EP. As the track transitions into an upbeat indie groove, JAKE WARDWELL's intimate-yet-energetic vocals soar above powerfully crafted bass & drum grooves, creating a uniquely captivating soundscape. The song's conclusion revisits the eerie digital-glitch fx, encapsulating the essence of "a comedown" as suggested by the title.

The emotional intensity continues with "harder than it has to be," featuring John Mayer-esque guitar solos and tight bass/drum patterns. The EP's production, characterized by creative and unconventional stereo placement, adds depth and dimension to the listening experience. This technique is showcased prominently in "ain't about you," where the guitar frequencies seem to dance between the ears, enveloping the listener in a mesmerizing auditory embrace.

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JAKE WARDWELL's intimate-yet-energetic vocals soar above powerfully crafted bass & drum grooves, creating a uniquely captivating soundscape.

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"wrong answer" offers a change of pace with a poignant sampled speech, setting the stage for an epic guitar-driven track that echoes the sensation of floating over Earth. The penultimate track, "making a meadow," presents a beautiful acoustic ballad with an "ebow"-style glowing guitar hook and a head-bobbing drumbeat.

The EP's final track, "alternate endings," explores a grittier, alt-country sound. The contrast between the proud, powerful drums and Wardwell's passionate, intimate vocals creates a magical atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on the soul.

In "The Drowsy View," JAKE WARDWELL has crafted a deeply personal and musically rich experience. Drawing on his background in jazz, the influence of indie bands from the '90s (as well as his time as a touring musician & guitar tech), Wardwell's talents shine through in every aspect of the EP. As an outside observer of a crumbling relationship, the EP stands as a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions, capture moments, and transcend boundaries.

"The Drowsy View" by JAKE WARDWELL is an indie-rock treasure that is sure to become a timeless classic, cementing its place in music history. Check out the EP on Bandcamp today!

Listen to "this is the comedown"

from The Drowsy View by Jake Wardwell below!👇

Bandcamp: https://jakewardwell.bandcamp.com/album/the-drowsy-view