After introducing the Walrus readers last year to the fun and folky etchings of San Diego’s Ian Lipson he has fast become one of my favourite finds of 2013. Since then Ian has been hard at work in the studio reworking and fine tuning his first EP release with his new project Wistappear (Facebook) . The result of this hard work are a perfect ensembles of 5 catchy and charming indie pop ballads and The Blue Walrus has been lucky enough to been given an exclusive listen to this new record .
If you remember back in May last year we championed this talented young man’s acoustic toe tapping take on 60’s nostalgia. His music is abundant with the essence of time armed with nothing but a guitar and a bright spirit. Hs warm, starry eyed vocals showcase a talented young man who’s music is as cheerful and pleasant as the California weather of his hometown.
On first listens to this EP it’s easy to compare and pick up on the similarities to retro enthusiasts Miles Kane and Jake Bugg in the fact that he has the vintage jingle thing down to a tee, a thing that can sometimes sound stale or unoriginal when overused, but Ian’s music shares something a little bit more unique. It’s striped back acoustics are authentic and carefree and overflow with heartfelt buoyancy giving it a up to date pop centric feel.
The EP begins with “Ride It Out” a sunlit acoustic opener with layered in guitars that ride trough like a 50 mile scenic drive. Passing away the time carelessly the shimmer chimes add some sparkle to the melody and form an unstoppable jamboree before gleefully hopping into to my favourite track “Extra Mile“. This is the song that introduced me to Ian with that top tapping beat and ode to 60’s musical heritage. It’s rebellious and infectious from verse to chorus. The blend of guitar stomps, percussion and energetic vocals mix together to build into an exhilarating pop song and catchy beat that encourages you to sing along.
Impressively two songs in and this record is already fully charged, filled with energetic, confident and fun boasting songs. “Out at The Races” may glisten on the surface in it’s intro but quickly turns into a attention grabbing and overwhelming surge of melody. It’s an indie pop spirit builder with it’s fun oscillating beat that rides like a roller coaster of sound. While next track “Come and Go” is light and preppy and riding in retro idealism.
You now may be bursting with a healthy dose of optimism and ready for your plateau as we come to the closing track “I Don’t Even Know You”. Sweet and wistful the last track is buried underneath a sentimental boasting jangle mellowing out but leaving you wanting more.
I can’t fault this record at all, it such an easy record to listen to and enjoy. It’s a ruckus of heightened elevation wrapped up in indie pop form. The prefect record for fans who like melodically-charged song’s that pack a cheerful punch .
The EP will be avaliable via the Wistappear Bandcamp page – wistappear.bandcamp.com
