by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Little Ripple is the Omaha by way of Woodbine, Iowa based solo project of Ameen Wahba. Having released albums to Bandcamp at a prolific rate as well as toured as a member of Anna McClellan’s band, Staffers, and Thick Paint among others, the time has come for Wahba’s physical debut release, Kind Witness. Due out on December 3rd via Propane Exchange (Matt Norman, Staffers, Oozing Ruby), it’s a great introduction to the ever changing world of Little Ripple, a gorgeous mix of home recorded folk experimentation and organic sounding psych wandering. The tonalities breeze between front porch twang and Eastern influences, exploring a common space rarely realized.
Lead single “Lentils & Toast” is built on a gentle surrealism, one part lullaby and another part alien pop. It’s got a kaleidoscopic aura even with a minimal construction, as Wahba sings with a similarly raw flair to Efrim Manuel Menuck, his voice with a natural sort of bramble and honesty within it. The composition is beautiful, just a finger picked melody and some atmospheric touches, it feels comforting and otherworldly as it folds us into a sparse dreamscape. The video pairs together an out of focus performance with gradually layered animation, a fitting touch that offers a visual ease and sense of wonder on par with the song itself.