by Kris Handel
Schwartz Provides is the third in the series of Schwartz releases from NY via Florida artist Winded. The record is powered by a stark and often solemn beauty provided by Thrin Vianale's higher registered vocals and entertaining songwriting. Vianale manages to balance full throated emotion with a concealed intensity that pushes and pushes to fully be unleashed, bringing a power to every moment produced. Their willingness to let the audience into a corner of their artistic spirit/life is one of the most powerful things encountered on any Winded release, verging on breathtaking. Vianale's guitar playing emits the same strengths as they accompany their world-weary lyrics detailing relationships with friends, the world, or giving daily activities/occurrences a great power in a most captivating manner.
"Scorpion Tea" stutters its way out of the speakers with gutty guitars and Vianale's multi-tracked vocals soaring over rolling drums and a wiggling little persistent guitar riff. There is a roiling fire underneath the melodies as Vianale opens up their inner-world to exorcize some concerns and heightened emotions in a restrained catharsis. "Colliding" is one of the sparser moments on the record as Vianale accompanies themself on a slow minor keyed piano bed, joined on vocals by John Ross for a moment of gorgeous reflection. "Throw a Smile Toward Me" is a withering take down of the toxicity of unwanted attention. Vianale regales the listener in a moment of potential put down encapsulated with the lyrics, "...Quiet on the outside/Screaming on the inside/ From the moment you started/Wouldn't it be nice to cut you down while/ Your friends look at you/Wouldn't it be great to put you in your place/Maybe this time I'll say that...".
Vianale manages to get their anger and concerns out in a manner that is disarming and tender while contrarily being full of venom and bile, ready to be unleashed when needed. The mix of glistening melodies with a darker tone and occasionally heavy subject matter produces a record that never lacks for intrigue and drive. The songwriting is sharp and cutting, both inward and outwards, a true strength of their's that deserves to be applauded and has the ability to leave the listener slack-jawed. Schwartz Provides brings with it a emotional weather-storm but Vianale's tact and ability to write from the heart without ever approaching heavy handedness is readily apparent and this mini-album strikes with a powerful impact to anyone willing to be a witness to it.