Wyatt Flores shines in his latest EP, Half-Life, where he showcases his exceptional songwriting skills. Flores has already made a name for himself as one of the up-and-coming frontrunners in the genre. The 8 track Half-Life EP does a good job of reiterating that, not just by taking the ball and running, but by slam dunking it square into your face and breaking your little nerd glasses…
Listen to Flores’ inspiration for Half-Life in the video below.
Highlights
The album kicks off with a strong gut punch, laced with themes of humanity that touch every one of us: the angst of mortality, the sting of lost love, and the broader look at life itself. Its opening track, Running Out of Time, masterfully captures the stark reality we all face at some point—the loss of someone close to us.
Although the song is tinged with sadness, its core message is a powerful reminder to seize the day and live life to the fullest, echoing the sentiment of living as if you’re on borrowed time.
The added fiddle plays a pivotal role, not just as a musical instrument, but as a voice that adds depth, emotion, and a sense of urgency, effectively doubling down on its profound message.
The title track, Half-Life, is a perfect highlight of Flores’ writing. Mighty damn introspective for such a youngster. Wyatt discusses meandering through life, or living a “Half-Life”, and the inevitable regrets that accompany it. The song is beautifully arranged, the dynamic acoustic shift into the chorus once again brings weight to the lyrics.
Another highlight from the EP is Milwaukee, a track that captures the essence of lost love amidst the chilling cold—a possible double entendre that adds layers to the song’s interpretation. This track stands out with its catchy melody infused with the nostalgic early 2000s “stomp-and-clap” rhythm. It’s so well-crafted, its ready for Top 40 airplay.
More Standout Tracks
As I mentioned with Milwaukee, Flores has a knack for taking Roots music and infusing a modern flair. I Believe in God could easily be a an Imagine Dragons, or Hozier type of song with it’s chanting chorus, “I believe in God but he don’t believe in me.” The addition of a haunting violin line enriches the track’s eerie atmosphere, making it unforgettable.
The EP’s first single, an emotional cover of The Fray‘s How to Save a Life, is a perfect and deliberate choice. It resonates with the themes of lost love and death that pervade the album. Flores’ rendition is raw and emotional, underscored by a gentle piano that serves as a somber reminder of the self-destructive tendencies in those we care about.
Tracklist:
| Song Title | Length |
|---|---|
| Running Out Of Time | 3:30 |
| Half-Life | 3:13 |
| Wish I Could Stay | 3:41 |
| Milwaukee | 2:59 |
| If I Dont See You Again | 3:48 |
| I Believe In God | 2:45 |
| How To Save A Life | 3:25 |
| Devil | 2:36 |
Final Thoughts
Wyatt Flores delivers a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest, and sounds damn good doing it.
Overall, Half-Life is a testament to Wyatt Flores’ rising star in the music industry. His ability to bridge modern and classical influences while delivering introspective and poignant music confirms his status as one of the genre’s brightest newcomers. Each track on this EP promises a journey of emotions—sometimes sad and somber, yet also hopeful, marking yet another milestone in his burgeoning career.
Album Release: April 19, 2024
Label: OEG Records, LLC, under exclusive license to Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc
Favorite Tracks: Running Out of Time, Milwaukee
RootsnRevelry Grade:
For Tour and Merch: Follow Wyatt Flores
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