Solar Princess, the brand new single from Whitney Walker, is unpredictable and compelling, bursting with musical freedom. Propelled forward by dramatic drumming from Robert Mitchell, there’s a great sense of urgency and dynamic energy. Meanwhile, Walker’s words flow in an untamed stream of thoughts, almost spoken at times. The enigmatic Walker told AUK about the song: “Solar Princess is a love song akin to Eric Clapton fronting The Clash. I wrote about a partner I had at the time. The first verse was about us. The second verse was about Australia because her mom had just moved back from there. The third verse was gardening-based.”
Jennifer Hoffer has created an inventive video, in which dancers Kelsie Steil and Nathaniel Dombek portray a relationship through brilliant choreography and movement. Viewers will be absorbed by the way the pair move together and react to one another’s presence, right to the end when Dombek crawls along, carrying Steil on his back and collapsing under the burden. Their motion reflects the intensity of the music.
The single is taken from the forthcoming full-length album, Blood Harmony, featuring Dana Colley from Morphine & Vapors of Morphine, and more. We can expect the record on 10th May 226 via RascalZ RecordZ. Walker explains what he was aiming for with his second album: “My mission statement for what I’m trying to achieve is chop philosophic vs bubblegum rock, which is the first sentence in the chorus to Ladina. Poetry over compelling music basically. My dad got me two tapes when I got locked up in my first psych ward, both best of. Lou Reed Walk On The Wild Side and Ramones Mania. So I’m attempting to combine those two vibes most often.” It’s ambitious, and the result is an eclectic mix of sounds and genres – there’s a wild sense of experimental energy throughout. The songs, and their intriguing lyrics, display Walker’s quirky imagination and idiosyncrasies, informed by his experiences with addiction and homelessness.
There’s now a proper band around Walker, and this album has the feel and dynamism of a full-band project, including Dan Capaldi, Robert Mitchell, Tyler Quist and the noir sound of baritone saxophonist Dana Colley. Walker says: “The live band, since the first album, has been mainly Rob, Dan, and I. We have always wanted a keyboard player. We are working towards embedding Gabrielle Raymond into the band, and she is all over the album. We also worked with Tyler Quist for the first time, which was super inspiring and gives off an eighties / David Lynch/ I don’t know exactly what vibe. Really inspired by playing. Dana joined us again on this one, and as long as he keeps agreeing to play on stuff, he will be recording with us. He is a genius and a warm and generous father figure whom everyone wishes they had. We also had many other friends and loved ones on the album as well.” Certainly, there’s a great energy in Solar Princess – enjoy.
