Album Review: The Wind and the Wave, ‘From the Wreckage’

Written by Erin Mathis

There’s something inherently appealing about “new” things. New clothes. New shoes. New car. New… music? Newness means innovation. It means listening to a song that you’ve never heard before, and falling in love with it before the rest of the world does. It means holding onto the horses’ reins, sitting up front on a yet to be filled bandwagon. And of course, as the saying goes, before you can “in with the new”, you have to “out with the old.”

No one knows this truth better than Patricia “Patty” Lynn, who left her previous band in 2012 to form The Wind and The Wave with singer/songwriter/producer Dwight Baker. After what they refer to as a “happy accident”, the duo began pumping out catchy tracks and even hopped on tour with bands like The Colourist and Plain White T’s. On August 5th, they released their very first album, fittingly titled From The Wreckage, as they say it reflects “building a new thing from the ashes of our careers”.

I finally got my hands on the eleven track album from a local music shop, and after listening to it several times, will say that I am thoroughly impressed by its cohesive sound as well as its multi-genre reach. This album encompasses everything from indie-folk, to alt-country, to blues-rock, and with its varied moods and tempos, is sure to have something for everyone.

The album’s first track, like most of its songs, is a mouthful to say, but my personal favorite: “My Mama Said Be Careful Where You Lay Your Head”. It’s an upbeat song about getting a fresh start, leaving your hometown, and “throwing caution out the window”. It sets the tone for the rest of the album, which focuses on a similar theme of new beginnings. Next up is “Build A Home”, a mysterious song with a sexy sounding low guitar, which contrasts beautifully with Patty’s sweet, vibrant voice. It starts off slow, but quickly transitions into a steady clap along beat. Also, in case you were wondering about the band’s name, Patty spells it out for you – Dwight’s the wind, and she’s the wave – a beautiful metaphor for their musical relationship and journey together as a team.

Right after is “With Your Two Hands”, the band’s first single off the album, and a definite fan favorite. Rapid guitar pickings and fierce up tempo lyrics make for a bad-ass song, one perfect for a porch sitting, foot-tapping, kind of night. Similarly, “Raising Hands, Raising Hell, Raise ‘Em High”, is impossible to sit still to. Its “oo-hoo”s are reminiscent of KT Tunstall’s “Big Black Horse And The Cherry Tree”, and like most of the songs, has a definite country feel to it. Personally, I’m not a fan of anything even faintly country-sounding, so I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying this album. I think what caught me off guard was the sheer honesty of the lyrics.

“Loyal Friend And Thoughtful Lover” is a song about Patty’s father, the lessons she has learned from him, and her bittersweet transition in independence. “I can’t learn from your mistakes, I’ve gotta make them on my own,” she sings. Finally, the last track, “This House Is A Hotel”, is about the very last moment a child takes before moving out of their home. Patty’s voice rides along a beautiful falsetto, over top of moving lyrics and a powerful kick drum. As someone who is growing up and out of her own nest, this one hit me in a tender place, and became one of my favorite songs out of the eleven.

Finally, Patty and Dwight have created an eclectic album that has a little something for everyone. The songs tell a story about venturing out on your own, while still remembering your past. If you’re into new adventures, and new music, I encourage you to check it out.