One Track Mind

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With its quiet confidence and sleeper status, Will Stratton’s 2007 debut, What the Night Said, was one of those records a listener feels downright blessed to come across, the humble but unmistakable announcement of a singular talent arriving. At nineteen, Stratton already appeared a mastermind, pairing a powerful command of lyricism with potent songwriting and a producer’s sense of how to best animate his compositions with depth and deft. Now twenty-two and nearing the end of his collegiate studies at Bennington, Stratton is prepared to release what will undoubtedly be another critically lauded effort, the pensive yet pleasant No Wonder. While the November 3rd release on Stunning Models on Display is guaranteed to sweep listeners off their feet, here’s hoping it reaches more ears than its predecessor.

It would be ridiculous to ask for a better opening to No Wonder than the gorgeous “Who Will,” which simultaneously brings back the Nick Drake comparisons reviewers of his debut were so fond of drawing while showcasing Stratton as a songwriter whose ideas and execution easily debunk any facile analogizing. Over a low tide of acoustic guitars, twinkling piano keys, and brushed snares, he opens with a simple question: “Who will save our souls? There’s so much left to do.” The thematic terrain does not stray too far from this initial query as Stratton meditates on the dueling desires for self-sufficiency and being comforted.

As “Who Will” progresses, the instrumentation becomes increasingly complex. Heavenly female background vocals form a fringing glow around Stratton’s. Trumpets and strings buoy the arrangement, rippling through and lending a greater emotional heft to the proceedings. It is about as ambitious–and successful–as a musician or producer could ever hope to be within the three minute pop song structure, and Stratton makes it all feel as effortless as a wonderful dream. “Who Will” feels as light as it is substantial, and makes it clear for anyone who will listen (yet again), that Stratton is a gifted talent who has the tenacity to deliver on the grand scope of his vision.