We have fallen on dark times, friends. These days it seems like all the average indie rock band wants to do is find a way to beset itself from the next guy. And in a sea of musicians just dying to be different and bring the next off-the-wall element of distinction, Mirel Wagner proves that there is a much easier way to do that very thing: keep it simple and make lyricism your priority.
Wagner’s doom-folk sound is not only powerful but evocative in a way that makes you remember it for days (whether you want to or not). And the best part: it needs no flowery production to make that happen; her sparse and unhurried guitar arrangements allow Wagner’s voice to be her primary instrument. Mirel’s throaty moan pays homage to the late lords of the Delta and crooners of the Appalachians, with unique lyrics that are reminiscent, yet distinct and different than years of blues and folk performers before her.
In “No Death,” we come to an understanding of the hunger of the devil, the inevitability of death and the unconditional love of a mother for her child. The album divulges instances of heartbreak and disillusionment, but also necrophilia and death with a kind of sophistication rivaling goth or metal songwriters who genres relish in such imagery, but fall short of the complexity Wagner conveys. Mirel’s musicianship is yet another aspect of her talent, working with the tone of her lyrics to create cohesive, commanding songs whose messages are so clear and intimate that their sentiment becomes personal to their listeners. Honestly, the end of the “No Death” music video is pretty much burned into my brain; it’s spooky, sure, but above all, it’s commanding and something that my mind will go to if I ever need to feel or need to explain a particular sort of sentiment. And that, in my opinion, is talent.
Ms. Wagner is an Ethiopian born singer who was raised in Espoo, Finland. She started playing the violin at 7, then shifted to guitar lessons by age 13 and started writing songs at 16. She made her American debut at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas to rave reviews. Sure, the music can be a bit gloomy, but it will always leave you curious for more.