Alex Wise - Front Porch

By Ben Ohmart (more articles from this author) 2003-09-04

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Artist: Alex Wise (www.alexwise.com)
Title: Front Porch
Genre: Folky pop

I was surprised at the music after a look at the packaging, which seems like a typical folk cover shot: guy sitting on the sidewalk of an average, seedy town with acoustic guitar in hand. But what comes out of the speakers can only be described as unplugged alt-Pink Floyd. Listening to 'Neither Worlds' is as close as you can get to that wonderfully repetitious otherworld sound PF has.

Headin' for the neither world, all aboard
Had we lived I'd tell it true
Nothing is ever too late
Plow the sea and work the wind
Learn to labor and to wait

I'm not sure I dig his self-harmonies, but the instrumentation, and choice of same, is always interesting. He'll take folk or country sounds and then not go in that direction musically, giving a very queer and original twist on this indie, alternative sound.

1. That Time Of Year
2. Touched By The Willow
3. Nether Worlds
4. Come What May
5. Muddlin'
6. Tin Horses
7. The Slow One
8. Wash It Down
9. Love In Mind

His tunes are simple, allowing for the lyrical content to creep out that much easier. In the 'Tin Horses' ballad, there's a beautiful, sleepy sentiment that, like most of Alex's writings, tells a story.

Silver night calling, setting sun
Almost time falling, little one
Innocence crawling, then withdrawn
Step aside darlin', I'll be gone

Alex Wise may have that kind of take it or leave it style. He's not glam at all, and doesn't put on airs. If you can live with that, and just want to listen to the music, not the personality, not the production, you may think this guy is great.

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