Waiting For Henry released A Town Called Patience. This ‘90s rock-inspired record will please anyone who likes a little country in their grunge.
Waiting For Henry released their sophomore album, titled A Town Called Patience, on Aug. 26. In this record, the quartet delves further into their ‘90s influences. The product is a country-tinged, easy to listen to rock album.
The men of Waiting For Henry came together in 2010 under their present moniker. Years prior to this, three of the four members played together in college. When they decided to get back together, a drummer was added to the group, creating a well-rounded quartet. A Town Called Patience is the follow-up album to 2013’s Ghosts & Compromise. Fans of the first album are sure to enjoy Waiting For Henry’s second foray into the recording studio.
Rock With a Twang
Waiting For Henry begins A Town Called Patience with country style vocals layered over indie-rock instrumentation. Entitled “Musconetcong,” track one conveys a palpable sense of intention – and possibly regret – through the words. In an opening that will appeal to a wide audience, they strike a balance between folk and rock.
Track two swings further into the rock zone on “Gutterball.” With guitar work reminiscent of bands such as Counting Crows and a grunge edge to the vocals, listeners are drawn back in time. A dynamic track, audiences will find this song captures their attention.
Taking the tempo down a few notches “Hangnail” is half rock ballad, half country breakup drinking song. It is always welcome to hear performers that do not shy away from emotionality in their work. A rough edge to the song works to amplify a seemingly genuine nature.
Maintaining a Voice Throughout
A Town Called Patience continues with tracks that vary slightly in tempo, but maintain a middle ground of rock with a country twang. When “Parsippany” comes in on track seven, it represents a welcomed shift in dynamic and musicality. A faster tune with an old school fringe rock vibe, “Parsippany” evokes a Gin Blossoms or Get Up Kids-style tone to its story-telling.
“Could It Be” breaks things up by delving into a classic rock feel. Next, the album’s title track fully embraces country influences. “In The End” wraps up this album in a gentle departure. Featuring dynamics that shift from soft and almost spoken, to slightly tense and heartfelt singing. This is a curious choice for the ending. However, it is a solid song and a standout piece on the record.
Waiting For Henry is comprised of talented musicians, with a real sense of their voice. However, much of A Town Called Patience contains a similar tempo and feel. Though sticking to their identity is admirable, more extreme variations in tonality or shifting focus in instrumentation would be welcomed. All in all though, this is a solid album which rock fans will likely enjoy.