January Music Appreciation ~ Wagging 11Jan23

While auditing the new Blanda kit, and wandering Bandcamp and YouTube, I came across an awesome new band, Wagging. Asheville, NC trio fronted by signer/songwriter Alison Antaramian. I was instantly drawn to the sounds and vibes and so, I'm devoting this month's Music Appreciation to them and their brand new self-published debut EP (05Jan24), My Own Private Rodeo.

Great songs, great vocals & harmonies, whether Alison is recording herself multiple times or not, and subtle keen hooks are here aplenty. This is close to Beatles-like alt-pop and clearly reminds me of Essex Green, a solid favorite of mine, who rarely publish these days. The Wagging beat kids Newt Pat, drums & backup, and Mark Capon (bass) are great accompaniment to Alison and her songs. The band is tight in the recording from Mike Johnson; it is very solid and I love the sounds from around that town. I don't yet know to what Wagging refers here... probably the tertiary meaning (love that) when a bandleader, uh leads/conducts. Not a dog tail (despite the album cover), not a jump on the bandwagon, just leading. There are less than 100 hits this morning but it won't be long; my sense is this album and band will blow up... there's an official video for Marigold on YouTube, one of the songs, but the whole album is great.

Well above in the opening paragraph is the Bandcamp link to the EP and HERE's the playlist for My Own Private Rodeo on YT. Very much worth the time. Decent but not spectacular dynamic range on the recording.