Wild Country EP by Wake Owl: A Little Gem That Got Under My Skin
Let me just say this upfront—Wild Country EP is one of those records that sneaks up on you. At first, it feels like a casual stroll through indie pop fields and folk-rock trails, but then, outta nowhere, it hits you right in the feels. Released back in 2012 (yeah, I know, ancient history), this six-track wonder from Wake Owl blends genres so effortlessly—pop, rock, alt, country—it’s hard to pin down where one ends and another begins. And honestly? That’s what makes it special.
First off, let’s talk about “Gold [Demo].” Oh man, this track sticks with you. It’s raw, kinda scrappy even, but there’s something magnetic about its simplicity. The melody loops around your brain like an old friend who won’t stop talking—but instead of annoying you, it’s comforting. There's no overproduction here; it’s stripped down, almost unfinished-sounding, which gives it this weirdly intimate vibe. Like listening to someone hum their secrets under their breath. Every time I hear it, I get this strange urge to grab my journal and scribble nonsense poetry or stare wistfully out a rainy window. Not sure if that was Wake Owl’s intention, but hey, music does funny things sometimes.
Then there’s “You’ll Never Go.” This song has these big, sweeping harmonies that feel like they’re lifting you up and carrying you somewhere far away. It starts soft, almost hesitant, but builds into this warm wave of sound that wraps itself around you. The lyrics are simple enough—nothing too flashy—but they hit different when paired with that swelling instrumentation. Honestly, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve replayed this track while driving late at night, windows down, pretending I’m starring in some moody indie film. Cheesy? Absolutely. But also kind of perfect.
The rest of the EP keeps the momentum going without overstaying its welcome. Tracks like “Seaside” and “Wild Country” bring in more of that folky charm, while still leaning into Wake Owl’s knack for catchy hooks. Dave Meszaros’ basslines give everything a grounded pulse, keeping things tight even when the melodies threaten to float off into dreamland.
Here’s the thing though—the Wild Country EP isn’t gonna blow everyone away. If you’re looking for polished perfection, maybe this ain’t your jam. But if you dig music that feels real, like it came straight from someone’s heart without worrying too much about impressing anyone, then yeah, this might be exactly what you need.
Funny story—I kept thinking about camping trips while listening to this album. Maybe it’s the earthy tones or the laid-back vibes, but it made me wanna pitch a tent somewhere quiet and just sit there, letting the songs wash over me. Or maybe I just really need a vacation. Either way, Wake Owl crafted something pretty damn lovely here, even if it flew under most people’s radar.
So go ahead, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if “Gold” gets stuck in your head for days.
