Wished Bone is the DIY-folk project of Ohio-based songwriter, Ashley Rhodus. Constructing music in her basements with, “borrowed instruments and broken tape machines”, Ashley’s songwriting creates a deeply human world of warm-afternoon sunshine and having nowhere to rush to, the sound of the small moments that make a life well led. Wished Bone’s second album, “Sap Season” is due out in November, and this week they’ve shared the first single from it, “Hold Me” the lovely lead single and opening track from her forthcoming new self-released record Sap Season, coming this fall. The swaying “Hold Me” once again displays what makes Rhodus such an intriguing and unique songwriter; she has a gift for making the ordinary feel poignant and profound, through her sort of effortlessly wry turns of phrase and low-key poetic non sequiturs, delivered warmly but matter-of-factly over a verdant bed of lilting folk-pop.
On first listen you could mistake Hold Me for something quite stripped back, there’s a gentleness and intimacy to it normally associated with acoustic-troubadour’s, yet scratch the surface and it’s a lot more interesting than that. The track is largely propelled by the glacial-paced bass-line, around which guitars, keys and gorgeous wood-wind flitter, like hummingbirds buzzing around a sloth. There’s nods to the likes of Cate Le Bon or Hand Habits, yet somehow Ashley’s musical vision shines beyond her influences, as the best songwriting always does. This instantly feels like an introduction into Wished Bone’s universe, a hand reaching out and guiding you to somewhere, don’t worry though, there’s no rush, music this good seems to have all the time in the world.
Vocals, guitar – Wished Bone
Guitar, drums, keys – Brian Kupillas
Bass, guitar, clarinet – Phil Hartunian
Saxophone – Spencer Radcliffe
Drums on track 7 – Teddy Briggs
“Sap Season” is out November 1st.
The Fat Angel Sings 