“Sun-kissed” is a term usually associated with music that carries a brightness to it. For me, Wild Child is definitely sun-kissed, and after their September 23 performance at Music Hall of Williamsburg, I felt like I was as well. This band feels like a batch of sun-rays decided to pick a bunch instruments and play the world song. If that sounds like happiness to you then you will love Wild Child.
Feel-good is a term I use often to describe performers like Wild Child because that is what they do for their audience, and what I try to seek when I am going out to see a concert. All my readers know I have a severe “sad song” addiction, as I LOVE THEM, but we all need reasons to smile. Hence, discovering Wild Child felt like summer had left one warm breeze before fall entered, and their music was the notes this final cool wind carried. Playing songs from their last album, Fools, I was moved to see a band that had given indie- rock a country folk-flare. Yet, this combination is driven by one of the kindest voices I have ever heard: Kelsey Wilson.
Rare can a voice exude the virtue of kindness, but Wilson’s vocals have a natural sweetness to him. On stage, the songstress is humble and open to the audience, which explains why her voice, in song, is as such. Being a kind person, Kelsey cannot help but bring love to her music, which is why, no matter what track, from Fools to Break Bones, she sounds so good. Wholesome can often be seen as a “lame” term, but I love “wholesome”. For me, it is always great to witness someone that feels good and approachable to all. Hence, the success of Wild Child’s concert, ironically, is that they are not “wild”, they are wholesome.
As each band member plays their instruments and banters in between, you feel like you are watching a musical family reunion. There is a bond between this band that is clean and clear, which allows the music to flow out of them like nature. I know that is a big comparison. To call a band’s playing of music the equivalent of nature, itself, might seem too much. Yet, let me explain. Nature is beautiful and unquestionable. It is present at all times, and its goodness is constantly revealing itself. For me, Wild Child has those elements. In concert, their goodness is unquestionable, and because they have that familial vibe, you know they have that refreshing comfort with each other that will make each of their shows feel new to both them and the audience. What family does not have a sack of adventures or claims that everyday is the same? None! Thus, the beauty of Wild Child’s nature is that in feeling so present, their concerts will always feel timeless.
Wild Child is currently on tour, and you can see their fall dates below. You can buy their album Fools and learn more about them HERE.
9.10.16 :: CLEVELAND, OH :: EDGEWATER PARK 9.11.16 :: COLUMBUS, OH :: THE BASEMENT 9.14.16 :: MADISON, WI :: MAJESTIC THEATRE* 9.15.16 :: BLOOMINGTON, IN :: BISHOP* 9.16.16 :: HOLLAND, MI :: KNICKERBOCKER* 9.17.16 :: CHICAGO, IL :: LINCOLN HALL* 9.18.16 :: TORONTO, ON :: T.U.R.F 9.20.16 :: MONTREAL, QC :: LA SALA ROSSA* 9.21.16 :: BURLINGTON, VA :: HIGHER GROUND* 9.22.16 :: BOSTON, MA :: THE SINCLAIR* 9.23.16 :: BROOKLYN, NY :: MHOW* 9.24.16 :: PITTSBURGH, PA :: THRIVAL FEST 9.25.16 :: CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA :: SOUTHERN 9.27.16 :: ASHEVILLE, NC :: GREY EAGLE* 9.28.16 :: NASHVILLE, TN :: MERCY LOUNGE* 10.2.16 :: AUSTIN, TX :: ACL 10.21.16 :: DALLAS, TX :: NASHER GARDEN 12.1.16 :: DENVER, CO :: BLUEBIRD THEATRE 12.2.16 :: SALT LAKE CITY, UT :: KILBY COURT 12.3.16 :: MISSOULA, MT :: TOP HAT 12.4.16 :: SPOKANE, WA :: THE BARTLETT 12.6.16 :: VANCOUVER, BC :: BILTMORE CABARET 12.7.16 :: SEATTLE, WA :: NEUMOS 12.8.16 :: PORTLAND, OR :: MISSISSIPPI STUDIOS 12.9.16 :: EUGENE, OR :: WOW HALL 12.10.16 :: SANTA CRUZ, CA :: THE CATALYST 12.11.16 :: SAN FRANCISCO, CA :: SLIM’S 12.13.16 :: LOS ANGELES, CA :: TROUBADOUR 12.14.16 :: SAN DIEGO, CA :: CASHBAH * – w/ SUSTO
