Review by Pat Joseph & Staff
The W.A M. Awards celebrate the year’s most outstanding independent artists from around the world in multiple genres and categories. "Best Song" and "Best Album" nominations were based on Artistry, Musicianship, Originality, Professionalism, Diversity, and Excellence. W.A.M. stands for "We Are the Music Makers.' Hunter and the Wick'd's Song "I Don't Wanna Talk Right Now " was the 2020 W.A.M. Award Winner for Best Love Song. Delicate strums of an acoustic guitar set the tone and pace of this dusty Americana ballad before the rest of the instruments casually stroll through the door. It’s very effective stacking of arrangement is the mark of a great songwriter and producer. The verses are relaxed and steady, propelled by the earnest delivery of vocalist and co-founder Miri Hunter. There’s an authenticity, and even a weary vulnerability, in her voice letting the listener know that she’s drawing from a personal history with the subject matter.
The vocals are then met with soulful guitar bends as the drums gently make their entrance. They are very subtle and delicate which makes for a nice contrast with the warm and round bass tones plucked by co-founder Thom Merrick. This musical interplay does very well in filling out the bulk of the real estate in the rhythm section and creates a solid foundation for Miri’s expressive delivery. The instruments are well played and full of dynamic subtleties that most won’t catch until a few more spins.
The music is in a word, dusty. And I mean that in a good way. The production is very clean and yet, there’s an earthy quality to the overall sound. I’m immediately taken to a scene in an old bar in Nashville upon first listen.
It doesn’t take long for the listener to learn that the song touches on the all too relatable subject of calling a truce with a lover after a heated quarrel. It paints a picture of two people who’ve reached a conversational stalemate and can no longer hear each other over the noise of their own emotions. The message however is optimistic as Miri’s soulful crooning illustrates that feelings can communicate better than words ever could as she repeats the chorus. “I don’t wanna talk right now. I just wanna lay up in your arms.” And “Words can only do us harm.” It really says it all.
If soulful Americana is your warm cup of tea, be sure to keep an eye on these two as they’re working on their follow up as we speak.
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About Hunter and the Wick'd
Hunter and the Wick’d is a Southern California based Americana duo. Its members consist of Virginia native, Miri Hunter and California native, Thom Merrick. After playing together for several years, they released their first recording together. The recording explores country/desert melodies and brings them into a contemporary folk style. There’s a wealth of beautiful music and songs explored on their debut album. Over the journey, the band has had some local hits, many of which are included in this CD collection. If music lovers have been waiting or a recording of “Tumbleweed Connection” or “Dance All Night in California,” and “I Don’t Wanna Talk Right Now,” here’s your chance.
“This music is all about giving yourself up to the wisdom and creativity that the desert imparts to you…at whatever emotional and spiritual cost. Thom and I come from varying musical traditions. He grew up during the punk music era and I grew up trained as a classical pianist. Within the realm of music, we unite as a team to create a montage that is representative of Americana music influenced by desert dreams,” states Miri.
They are currently had at work on their music collection. After receiving thie year’s W.A.M. Award, they are more excited than ever to get on the road again to meet new fans and re-connect with long standing fans. Until then, the music of Hunter and the Wick’d is available via cdbaby, iTunes, Amazon, et al, as well as retail locations throughout Southern California.