Water Street - Waiting for Martin

​Water Street

Waiting for Martin
self-released; 2016

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Dave Paulson (vocals/acoustic guitar/electric guitar/bass), Claire McNulty (vocals/acoustic guitar/keyboard/percussion), Milly Paulson (mandolin/violin/bells/percussion), Dave McNulty (electric bass/saxophone) and Connor Konecnik (drums/percussion) are Water Street. 

The band recently released Waiting for Martin. I have to say something about the album cover which is disturbing. The way they are just chilling on that roof not terrified at all about the horrible natural disaster surrounding them. 

Anyway the album is refined and clean sounding. They don’t like much distortion, they change up lead singers and they are quite eclectic when it comes to styles. The songs are on the safe side and no matter what style they attempt there is an undercurrent of pop music.

They kick off with “Better Off Alone” which is about much rocking out as the band does. The song reminded me of Dave Matthews Band in some ways. Not sure exactly why but something about the rhythm. The horns are pretty wicked all things considered. That being said the song is so straightforward I was hoping for some experimentation and surprises.

Up next is “Tidal Wave.” I really enjoyed the vocal by McNulty. She has an aesthetically pleasing voice and the harmonies with Paulson also sounded very good. The song felt over zealous in the optimism department at times. A highlight was “Foul Play” which features one of McNulty’s most impressive vocal performances. Good stuff. The band goes slightly bluegrass on “The Storm” while “Maybe” is a slow moving ballad.

​Water Street is talented in a number of ways. I just wanted some edge and attitude to some of these songs. They almost feel family friendly like I was listening to these songs at Disney World with my kids. That's just me. The songs are catchy, well- written and diverse while not feeling too scattered. Take a listen and see if it's up your alley.

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