Theory of Why share their thought provoking EP, "Path of the Heart"
Review by Austin Sher
Released earlier this year in April, Theory of Why’s EP, Path of the Heart is an absolute stunner of a record that’s worth your while. Read along with us as we break down our thoughts and provide a bit of background on the band as well.
Like most releases coming this in 2020, they’ve generally been unpredictable in terms of viability for touring or getting the music to the people. In this case, not much has changed, but we’re incredibly thankful this EP crossed our paths. Before we get into it though, it’s always best to familiarize ourselves with the artists behind the music.
Theory Of Why is a cross country project that brings together two musicians who now live two thousand miles apart. The breathy guitar playing and the driving bass of Anton Kropp’s instrumentation and the ethereal, yet hopeful, Stereolab-esque vocals of Julia Nova reflect the experience of two seasoned musicians who cut their teeth in the DC indie and punk scene. With a hope to create music inspired by Earth, Stereolab, YOB, Julie Doiron and other seemingly inconsistent influences, Theory Of Why has a unique flavor that only comes with intent. The first thing you’ll notice are the unorthodox vocals that fit just so perfectly into the sound that’s being created here.
Originally, Anton and Julia met at the University Of Maryland’s college radio station, WMUC, but only began writing music together long after they left their home state. Anton now lives in Seattle, WA and Julia lives in Springfield, MO and both have a passion for local music, local radio, and an eclectic mixture of influences. Their second EP, Path Of The Heart, hones their reflective sound and begs listeners for a second and third listen, encouraging them to try to pin down memories of past bands and music they’ve liked before. This sophomore release represents a band coming into their own.
In addition to the musical influences cited above, if you’re a fan of Hop Along, Waxahatchee, Diet Cig, or Sleater-Kinney, then Theory of Why are surely going to be right up your alley in terms of taste. The vocals on the record are quite reminiscent of Frances Quinlan of Hop Along, mainly because they’re so different from what you’re normally used to hearing. Considering she’s one of our favorite indie female vocalists, that’s high praise for Julia.
Path of the Heart is just the type of record we were looking for. It’s an off the beaten path sound that not many bands are trying to recreate these days. Everything seems to lean more the pop and mainstream, however, every bit of the record is original and thought provoking. You don’t know where the instrumentation is going or what specific instrument is coming next and that for us is a sign of a project keeping it real. They’re not playing by anyone’s rules except their own.
We truly hope that you give the EP a listen. Coming in at 6 tracks and 22 minutes, it surely won’t take up too much time and won’t disappoint in sound either. For all things Theory of Why, to listen to the EP, and to keep up with all the latest releases and information, please check out the following links below.
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