100 Watt Horse, the indie-folk outfit hailing from Philadelphia, has shared their sixth release, the charming, lofi collection, 'Okey Donkey' EP. This collection of songs beautifully encapsulates the band's evolution and their enduring partnership between songwriter George Pettis and producer Graham Tavel.
The EP is a delightful blend of old and new, showcasing both the band's folk roots and their more recent forays into expressive country rock. Thematically, it's a rollercoaster of emotions, exploring friendship, love, loss, and grief against the backdrop of a post-COVID America grappling with late-stage capitalism.
Kicking off the EP is the instrumental 'Bees 4', a playful, flickering tune that draws you in with its indie-folk charm. It's reminiscent of something you might hear on 'Better Oblivion Community Center', assembling itself with an unassuming, authentic style. 'Calico' follows, a stripped-back Americana gem with Pettis' vocals and acoustic guitar taking centre stage. It's a heartfelt song that grows on you with each listen, its poetic lyrics painting vivid pictures of longing and self-discovery.
'See Me Now' injects a dose of lo-fi joy into the mix, with charming vocal harmonies and indie-folk flourishes that will put a smile on your face, while 'Yur My Friend' is a heartfelt ode to close friendship, with cascading vocals and gentle guitar lines that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. It's a song that wouldn't feel out of place on a Death Cab for Cutie album.
The EP pushes on with the mesmerizing title track, 'Okey Donkey', a more polished, upbeat number stitched together from tempered percussion, driving lines, and echoingvocals. It moves with an almost relentless, dizzying style that shifts and rallies for almost ten minutes, before closing cut, 'Untitled', sweeps into view, delivering a cathartic finale that will leave you untethered in a gentle, reflective mood.
Through and through, 'Okey Donkey' is a captivating EP. It showcases 100 Watt Horse's growth and maturity as a band, offering a growing sense of weight and wisdom to their renowned indie style. Filled with stark, relatable moments that will hit you without warning, the EP will resonate perfectly with fans of indie folk and modern, Americana, and anyone who appreciates heartfelt, well-crafted music.
You can stream the EP above, which was released via Atlanta label Rope Bridge Records, with all proceeds from the digital sales of the EP donated to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.
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