Wilder Maker’s founder and frontman Gabriel Birnbaum may not exactly be a household name, but you may have inadvertently heard his music already. Over the years, he’s performed and recorded with the likes of Sharon Van Etten and DeVotchka, and shared the stage with Arcade Fire, Deerhoof, Phosphorescent, and many more.
When he’s not supporting these A-list musicians, Birnbaum’s hard at work on his own brand of rollicking alt country. Wilder Maker’s latest project explores a concept at the very heart of all great country: a three-part conceptual EP reflecting every aspect of an especially painful break-up. The first part, Everyday Crimes Against Objects of Desire, Vol 1., hits stores on November 18th via Bleaksploitation Records.
The EP’s lead single, “Hope Springs”, comes in sounding soothing before revealing the crushing somberness of Birnbaum’s lyrics. The incessant repetition of “die” that floats in the background exudes endless melancholy, but the light guitar strumming and rising melody somehow alleviate the sting. Birnbaum’s voice bellows against back-up vocalist Katie Von Schleicher’s comforting harmonies, perfectly playing up the “breakup” concept. Hearing Birnbaum relate his sorrows has a deeply cathartic effect, sounding equally weathered and self-assured.
Listen in below.
