Water Street’s latest album, Alone in a Crowded Place, is a vibrant showcase of their genre-blurring artistry. With six band members bringing their unique influences to the table, the album thrives on rich harmonies, dynamic instrumentation, and thoughtful storytelling. Blending elements of indie rock, funk, jazz, and pop, this record never settles into one lane, making it a refreshing listen in an era where fans crave authenticity and musicality.
Opening with "White Rabbit," the album kicks off with funky warmth, tight drumming, and a groove that immediately hooks you. The harmonies are lush, the horns add texture, and a guitar solo elevates the energy. The lyrics reflect on growing up and the loss of childhood wonder, using Alice in Wonderland imagery to explore the mundane chase of adulthood: “Little white rabbit/Rushin’ through the wonderland/Haunted by the habit/Of fallin’ behind.” One of their previously released singles, "Decaf Daydream," is next following an infectious, sing-along anthem built on clever coffee-related wordplay. Leaning into indie pop sensibilities with a polished yet playful energy, it’s an instant earworm.
"Afraid of Forever" sees Julia’s vocals take center stage, tackling a subject not often explored—the fear of forever. With a touch of theatricality and an ever-evolving arrangement, the song keeps listeners engaged as it shifts between moods and textures. The line “Afraid of forever/Trapped to a lifetime” captures the existential anxiety of being locked into something indefinitely, challenging the traditional notion that forever is always desirable.
"This is the first time the current 6 members of Water Street wrote and recorded new music together. Each of us have such different styles when it comes to playing, and we think this collection of songs really represents our individual styles. We are very proud of 'Alone in a Crowded Place,' and we are excited for it to be shared with the world."
Another previously released single, "Everest" brings a warm groove, merging smooth saxophone lines with grittier guitar tones. The songwriting shines, using powerful imagery to convey emotional struggle: “Facing you is climbing Everest” and “I’m a statue anchored in Central Park/Where the kids play ball around taxi cars.” These vivid metaphors give the song a poetic depth highlighting Water Street's lyricism.
"Hurricane" builds with earnest vocal delivery into a powerful climax, capturing the feeling of being pulled into someone’s chaotic world with lines like “I’ve weathered your mess/You did the damage and left/I’m trapped in our wreckage/You’re a hurricane.” "Overdue" introduces fun guitar work and lively instrumentation, creating a love song that embraces the feeling of finally catching up to the right moment: “Gonna love you like it’s overdue.”
"Never Be Us" shifts into a pop-forward sound reminiscent of The 1975, with a fun bassline and layered vocals exploring change and shifting relationships. Lyrics like “Things change but that’s okay” and “Oh my god, people change direction/Then lose connection” recognize that life doesn’t always go as planned, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad.
Momentum keeps going with "Livin' Mine," an upbeat track celebrating personal freedom. Lines like “Strangers stop telling me how young I am” and “Growing pains, changing lanes, and racing time” capture the essence of living life on your own terms.
The album closes with the high-energy, fan-favorite "Decaf Daydream," a perfect send-off for a record that thrives on its diverse sonic palette.
LONG STORY SHORT: Water Street delivers an album bursting with energy and depth while shifting between styles while maintaining a cohesive sound.With all live instruments and full-bodied arrangements, Alone in a Crowded Place feels both nostalgic and fresh—rooted in classic influences but undeniably modern.
Water Street describes the album’s title as a reflection on how personal struggles can feel isolating, even when surrounded by others: “More often than not, when you feel like others wouldn’t understand what’s on your plate, you’re actually surrounded by other people who are or have gone through a similar experience.” This sentiment resonates throughout the record, making it not just a collection of songs, but a shared experience—one that listeners will keep coming back to.
Stream Alone in a Crowded Place below!
Credits:
Lyrics: Dave Paulson and Julia Aiello
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar: Dave Paulson
Keys: Alex Kerssen
Bass: Brendon Gardner
Vocals: Julia Aiello
Electric Guitar: Ed Woodcock
Percussion: Connor Konecnik
Violin: Gabriel Wheaton
Cello: Aimee Nishimura
Horns: Kendra Rachaiken
Mix, Master: Tyler Ripley (Free Dive Collective)
Comments