by Kris Handel (@khandel84)
Not Alone is the solo debut album from Wilder Maker frontperson Gabriel Birnbaum and works in a familiar solemn folky vein with some occasional flourishes to brighten up the atmosphere. Not Alone forsakes the instrumental strength and orchestration of Wilder Maker for a simpler slightly back to basics approach which shows the strength and skill of Birnbaum as a songwriter, maintaining a focus on melody and technique. Birnbaum explores isolation and love on this record with a depth and insight that basks even the darker and more pensive pieces with a hope or light that will not allow itself to be extinguished. The sparsity of this record allows for a clarity and sense of appreciation for all aspects of day to day existence that add color to even the most mundane moments of life.
The title track kicks off the record with a twangy loping Velvet Underground-esque ballad driven by chiming guitar that swoops in at all the right moments. Birnbaum’s vocals creak and sway along between bouncing bass and shuffling drum work while moments of musical explosion break the pervasive swaying melancholia. “Mistakes” is another track that works with a jaunty pace, Birnbaum providing some tasteful piano work while some searing guitar leads howl alongside his impassioned vocals. Birnbaum and Adam Brisbin’s guitar’s steal the show here as they manage to maze around each other, building and answering one another in mesmerizing fashion.
“I Got Friends” is one of the tracks that enlists a slower pace along with minimal backing allowing for tension and emotions to heighten as Birnbaum’s deep vocals lend a pained loneliness. There’s a jazz-ish strain throughout that recalls a bit of early Nick Drake with slowly circling guitar and a restrained solemn atmosphere. “Oh Jesus” starts off as a rumination on isolation and fears, as well as a sense of relief in something bigger despite moments of hardship. Birnbaum and company provide a sense of strength here as the song utilizes musical restraint to express an open-ended journey that hits remarkable emotional heights.
Not Alone is a record of aching reflection and meditations on what brings happiness or elicits connection with the world around yourself in a manner that is extremely haunting. Birnbaum and musical cohorts bring the listener on a trip through the ups and downs of existence, yet one that never wallows in hardships or pity. Although there are moments of reflection, this is a record of moving forward and learning to live in the moment rather than letting oneself to get bogged down by regrets. Birnbaum has constructed a record that flows and breathes which is full of passion and manages to embrace everything that life has to throw at it in a way that is breathtaking.