Ah, love – something I am no expert on as the past 26 years of my have been spent taunted by chick flicks and ideals behind glass displays. Come to think of it, just yesterday, a 9-year-old asked me, “But don’t you have a boyfriend yet?” And just like I’d answer any adult, my reply was simply a laugh and a “no way.” Truth? I’m a romantic at heart and dream of nothing more than falling in love and having white fabric billow around me. You can only imagine what happened to my heart when Tidewater’s, The Wedding, found its way to me.
At first, I was searching for irony, wondering what cynical musician would name their album “The Wedding,” only to have it be something metaphorical for less romantic thoughts. However, I’m the cynic; love isn’t dead. In a world that is filled with songs about the past and pain– Tidewater’s The Wedding is a sweet reminder that fairytales are alive.
The content of the songs range in sweetness. Consider movies like: The Wedding Planner, Made of Honor, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding, for reference. The second track, “I Will Always Love You,” fits neatly under the ambiance of Made of Honor. There is a sense that this love began between two very good friends years back before the couple made the decision to make their connection eternal. “There You Are,” is reminiscent of The Wedding Planner, in that there is some doubt from our narrator throughout the song, until he sees her. Luckily, we know his decision to MARY the right girl will come without contemplation. Lastly, “Wedding Day,” is what hopeless romantics like Toula Portokalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and myself dream of. But unlike these films of fiction, Brett Allen of Tidewater has experienced the real anticipation and joy of marriage, which is no wonder why each song feels genuine unlike the processed fodder you’d find on a One Direction album.
Like any wedding, in the background plays a loving piano and few touching violins. Allen has placed the use of these instruments wisely, adding to the overall premise of the record. In no way did I feel that the addition of the string instruments added sentimentality, in others words – I didn’t find them cliché. In a lot of ways, I found this record to be comparable to that of Owl City, sans the synths and electronics. The tonality of Brett’s voice was incredibly passionate, helping me to recall all those firsts experience by him and his significant other. Another sigh, another swoon – I am in love with love.
Golden Mixtape and Tidewater invite to save the date on April 30th to experience The Wedding.
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