The Crocodile Seattle, WA
Web: wilderado.co
Contact: wilderado.co/contact
Players: Max Raine, vocals, guitar; Tyler Wimpee, guitar, vocals; Justin Kila, drums; Colton Dearing, bass.
Material: Originating from Tulsa, OK, Wilderado is an indie-Americana band that readily draws from the acoustic guitar-based, singer-songwriter tradition of folk music—a style brought into prominence by fellow Oklahoman Woody Guthrie. However, they extend beyond the genre’s roots by embracing multi-instrumental, melodic layers popularized by The Jayhawks and Wilco. Wilderado branches into more experimental territory by incorporating elements of ambient folk reminiscent of Fleet Foxes’ “White Winter Hymnal,” and The War on Drugs’ “Under the Pressure” heard in songs like “Surefire” and “Tomorrow.” In turn, Wilderado has created a distinct alternapastoral rock sound. The band further lures listeners into their indie-folk stylings with escapist storylines that elucidate the beauty of overcoming life’s everyday challenges.
Musicianship: Wilderado’s Americana-made sonics thrive on the band’s natural musicality and genial effervescence. Frontman Max Rainer’s smooth vocals, laced with a slight southern drawl, sit in the sweet spot of the live mix, effortlessly winding around the band’s rich tonalities. Tyler Wimpee’s lead guitar work and backing vocals create a bright counterpoint to the band’s overall warmth.
Performance: Opening their show with “Stranger,” Wilderado leaned into its wistful undertones, with Max crooning an echoey ‘over and over’ chorus, creating nostalgic soundscapes suited for the evening’s intimate venue (The Crocodile). At the same time, the dreamy intonations transported the audience to the countryside on a hot summer night. Sustaining this dual tonality was Wilderado’s mission as they moved through their performance, featuring the radiant atmospherics of “Morning Light” and the beautiful western-twanged, honey-hued guitars of “In Between.” The Oklahoma-based band circled back to end their set with the equally effortless and sweet-sounding “Outside My Head” and the two-step, country-tinged “Rubble to Rubble.”
Summary: The future of indie-folk rock shines brightly with Wilderado leading the way. Their skill in crafting solid alt-country songs, glazed with swathes of sonic experimentation, brings a mesmerizing mainstream aesthetic to the genre while retaining a radically honest approach to songwriting.
