THE SCRAPE - ISSUE 1

Wren the Band - By Salo 

"With you, I am home." 

Again and again, the mantra-like lyrics repeat. I'm currently listening to 'Home' by Portland based soul group, Wren the Band. It's like walking on a dream. After a long day spent working to finally finish Scrape Zine, this article feels like a break from the 8 hour editing session, even though I'm still technically working. I leave her Spotify page playing as I type, and the calming sensation is lovely. I feel at home now, too. Some artists are easy to write about. Wren is that kind of artist - the kind that makes you forget you are listening, and whisks you away into your own emotions. Right now it's the soundtrack to my inner dialogue, and it's helping me survive the chaos. I'm very thankful. 

Portland Native Chrissy Marie and guitarist Andy Wilhelm come from New Jersey, and they blend together the classic and modern feel of soul, funk, folk and pop stylings to bring a smile to the heart. With influences ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to Stevie Wonder, they have a sound that is familiar, yet fresh. The guitar work is immaculate. The percussion is tasteful and subtle. The sound of the bass is mixed thick and round. And most prominently, the soothing voice of Chrissy Marie floats paradoxically in the liminal space between delicacy and power. If it took physical form, I'm sure it would feel like velvet. Or maybe red velvet cake. 

Wren the Band could be playing a cocktail lounge, a sunny outdoor show, or a smoky night club all the same. There is universal appeal in the sultry sound. It's sexy too. What is that I hear? A saxophone trio? A harp interlude? is that a Hammond organ? Damn, now we're breaking out the sleigh bells? It's not every day that you hear such full arrangements, and you're even less likely to find someone doing it with such understated taste. They'll most likely be a fan favorite come Spring Fest 2023, and definitely stand out as an earlier frontrunner for my most anticipated act. Boss Bitch indeed. (It's a song of theirs, look it up.)