Macy Warner - Wilt & Temper

Macy Warner

Wilt & Temper
self-released; 2020

4.0 out of 5

By Graham Hall

At just 18 years old, Loveland, Colorado native Macy Warner is already a prolific musical artist. Local label Plot Line Records discovered her at 15 when she played at a coffee shop. She has released two albums with them, as well as a collaborative album with Jet Trawick. Warner’s latest project, Wilt & Temper, takes her usual lo-fi indie-folk sound and amplifies it with layered instrumentation and a refined mix.

Its DIY production enhances Wilt & Temper’s minimalist aesthetic. The style is reminiscent of early Devendra Banhart, with brooding songs soaked in natural reverb and a faint hiss that adds to the lo-fi nature. Also, the songs were recorded in one take, making the album feel intimate.

The opening track “Empathy,” captures Wilt & Temper’s darkness. The track features the sound of rainfall as Warner sings many lines that start with the phrase “I don’t.” It’s a song about wanting to change for the better, and it’s unclear if that change will happen. “Supernova” is another sorrowful song about a separated couple fighting over custody of their child. This song features a chilling chorus at its finale with Warner singing, “Jamie / Why don’t you stay / Why don’t you ever say what you really mean.” Her vocal performance makes it a powerful ending.

Two songs on the track list have layered instrumentation that enhances the mix without overtaking Warner’s vocals. “Supernova” features a second guitar that fills in the low end and adds to the song’s dramatic tone. The closer “Meta Girl” has layered electric guitar and percussion that give it a unique energy. It makes for an uplifting ending to the album.

​Wilt & Temper has placed Macy Warner in an exciting position. The album builds off of her previous singer/songwriter sound by increasing the production. Now, Warner can go anywhere she wants on her next project. One with a full band seems like the natural next step, but no one would be disappointed with another stripped-back album. Whatever the direction, I am looking forward to hearing it.

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