Walking Apollo discovers the lighter side of folk on the sunny and appealing, You’re My Pride and Joy, Etc.
Walking Apollo is the brainchild of singer-songwriter and musician Buddy Taccolini. Being a new voice in the indie-folk scene, his new EP You’re My Pride and Joy, Etc, is the perfect intro to his open-hearted melodies and subtle arrangments, bought to life as vocals switch between him and accompanying vocalist, Christina Rotondo. Countering his previously self-confessed ‘darker songs’, Taccolini seems in a good place and of sound mind.
Glowing in the Dark kicks off the EP in fine fashion as harmonica and acoustic guitar create a warm and inviting sound before Christina Rotondo’s vocals slide in subtly. It’s all very soft yet has a live and inviting soul with a folk-pop edge. The harmonies work well as the layers build into the chorus and Rotondo let’s go a bit more.
This is followed by Impossible: The Fairytale of Campus Martius Park as Taccolini takes over on main vocal duties that builds to a strong and catchy chorus. Once again, the track is based around harmonica and acoustic guitar but this time feels more relatable as tales of love, loss and living life and unfurled.
As the EP moves onwards, Taccolini et all almost seem to let their spirits drive forward a little more, both musically and vocally which allows for a few more playful ideas. Sew may feel more downbeat but does grow into a powerful chorus that Rotondo’s vocals hold onto very well. Perhaps a bit more pace and production in the verses could have pulled it together however, as at times it feels a little too clean.
Lovely People then chills the soul with warm acoustic flows and a sunny disposition to Taccolini’s vocals slowly moving the track onward. It’s the perfect slow-dancing song that could be used at the end of the night in a bar as you hold your loved one close.
The EP ends on a demo version of previous track, Impossible, that I actually prefer. The stripped-back nature allows Taccolini’s voice to shine and the gentle guitar plays against the well-thought-out lyrics, even if its a story we’ve all heard before.
You’re My Pride and Joy, Etc by Walking Apollo is a well-structured EP that shows off Taccolini’s skill in songwriting. Not to take away from the great vocals of Rotondo, at times I kind of feel Taccolini should have taken the lead on all tracks due to the short nature of the EP – this would have allowed it to feel more whole and build around the themes brought up in the lyrics. It’s still a strong listen, however, and shows this musician has a bright future.
Score: 3/5
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