Widowspeak - “No Driver”
Credit: Michael Stasiak
From their forthcoming LP, Roses, New York City-based duo Widowspeak have just released the folk-leaning indie rock gem “No Driver.”
Some licks from a lone electric guitar get this one started, seasoned with a dash of gritty saturation before the arrival of the vintage-tinged rhythm section. From there, the vibe is warmly reminiscent of Big Thief and early Sharon Van Etten, with Widowspeak’s signature cosmic country on full display.
Molly Hamilton’s breathy vocal performance emerges, grounding “No Driver” in a sense of warm authenticity that effectively cuts through the haze of modern production. The refrain is underscored by a subtle vocal harmony and distant piano chords, providing enough elevation to linger in your mind long after the song ends.
This dreamy morsel of alt-folk-imbued slowcore is further carried by the melodic guitar work of Robert Earl Thomas. The raw, twangy lead over the final third is more than enough to pull you back to “No Driver” for additional spins. We’d also like to offer a big shoutout to players Willy Muse, John Andrews, and Noah Bond for bringing the tune across the finish line.
About “No Driver,” Widowspeak offers that it “is about knowing and loving people who seem to thrive being on autopilot, at least for a while. It’s written from the perspective of trying to be supportive, and knowing it can be kind of magic when you’re in it, but also just waiting patiently for whenever they’re ready to move on from destructive behavior.”
“No Driver” finds a sweet spot of quiet detachment, drifting through life with no real control or direction– and we are very pleased to have it in our rotation for this very reason. You can now enjoy it everywhere you get your music, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the full album, Roses, due for release on June 5th via Captured Tracks.
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