Taylor Baker met Drew Walker at a Local Natives concert in 2013 and as fate would have it, a baby would arise from the chance meeting. There is no actual toddler to speak of, but the metaphorical musical synthesis that call themselves, The Wild Now, have had their momentum snowball with the release of their debut EP, Gold Dust. The talented duo self-describe their sound as ‘indie gelato’, which proves accurate as they embrace a swirl of influences including pop, folk, alt-rock, and even electronica. Taylor’s vocals have an impressive soulful depth that can either effortlessly dominate or perfectly compliment Drew’s dexterous guitar riffing. The six-track EP has a confident intimacy that eschews sensationalism and embraces a more roots-based songwriting dynamic. Tracks like "Salt" and "Gold Dust" project subtle brilliance while "New Eyes" and "Seek" have chorus swells that quicken the pulse with fortified guitars, horns, and synths. The chemistry of The Wild Now is rare in it’s fluidity and ease, and with many upcoming local shows, Austinites should be thankful to see this duo hone their craft in our backyard before they are lost to an inevitable national audience.
-Lee Ackerley