Born and raised in the West Village, Alexa Wilding’s music makes me wonder if it’s by chance that New York City spurred some of today’s most noteworthy up and comers. There is a deep and true talent hidden in the likes of the 27 year old now-Brooklyn-based musician. Her self-titled debut EP is like chicken soup for the soul, leaving me doubtless about her abilities as a songwriter, guitarist, and singer.

Wilding balances simplicity and complexity beautifully, and she is absolutely arresting. She has the voice of an angel, allowing her lackadaisical lyrics to roll through the music naturally. She asks for love then denies it, and describes places and people that seem pulled from a fairy tale. She creates images and draws connections that seem more like poetry, aided by her voice, pretty and full of air.

Each song on Wilding’s 8-track EP is full of magic. Gentle as a soft breeze and full of the introspection found on a rainy day, the album is so brief that it has to be savored. From start to finish, the understated harmonies of the acoustic guitar and piano help set the ethereal tone of the album.

The first track, “Saturn,” is a pretty song that demonstrates Wilding’s wide vocal range as well as the quality of her voice. It’s definitely a great first track, establishing Wilding’s prowess from the start. The second track, “Light,” is a haunting song that starts with Wilding witchingly imploring “listen.” Despite the eerie vibe of the track, Wilding’s voice is compelling and spellbinding.

The combination of acoustic instruments and Wilding’s dynamism takes the gold through and through, especially in the track “Black Diamond Day,” a song about love (as many of her songs happen to be). The up-tempo guitar and Wilding’s velvety, sugary voice make this track particularly memorable. Wilding sings with feeling and lets her airy vocals dissipate into an occasional near whisper, other times rising with the crescendos of the song. The song demonstrates all that makes this album a superb debut.

Alexa Wilding emits a powerful type of vitality without warning. Heart and soul seem to pour out of every phrase of the album in the most delicate way. The EP has a personal feel to it so that by the end I felt as though Alexa Wilding, who I’ve never met, is no stranger. There is special talent here, one that I hope the songwriter will continue to exhibit in future music.

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2 Responses to “Alexa Wilding: Self-titled Debut EP”

1. hellodanger says:

   August 18, 2009 at 9:16 pm

   i'm so happy to see that someone as deserving as Alexa Wilding is getting such great reviews for her album!
2. siennareid says:

   October 8, 2009 at 5:43 am

   This is a fantastic album- every song is a gem. Alexa's voice, music and brilliant lyrics create an incredibly deep mix of music which seems to enter a land of myth and yet be contemporary at the same time. I can't get enough of it!