According to Google, the word “solemn” is defined as: “characterized by deep sincerity.”
If I were to summarize Nathan Evans Fox’s latest release in a single word, it would be “solemn.”
Fox’s third studio record, Wasted Love, is a solemn testament to the wide span of human experiences. From grief, to natural disasters, to good-ol’-country livin’, Fox leaves no stone unturned with his exceptional songwriting ability.
Wasted Love opens with “One of These Days,” immediately exposing the listener to Fox’s intention to blur the line between past and present. The track is a testament to feeling stuck with nowhere to go, containing elements of both traditional country ballads, with soulful piano and poetic lyrics, to modernized indie-pop, with subtle and understated moments of electronics and twinkly instrumentation.
“Lordhamercy” and “These Four Walls” are both a similar vibe to Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up” in that they are both unabashed declarations of love for your partner, for better or for worse.
The record’s leading single, “Carolina Boy,” is an upbeat-yet-sincere yearning to go to a home that no longer exists. It’s a song that both looks back on the past and forward to the future, appreciating the things and the people that got you to where you are today. Wasted Love’s second single is “Some Things Are Coming Back Again,” and it leaves the same bittersweet, nostalgic taste in your mouth.
Born and raised in western North Carolina, Fox first began playing violin at four years old, and has since continued his multi-instrumental labors in his frequent touring throughout Texas, the East Coast, and the South. He’s been featured in publications such as Mother Church Pew, Americana Highways, The Bluegrass Situation, and of course now, Music Mecca.
Initially debuting as a songwriter in a number of Texas-based songwriter contests, Fox’s first performances earned him finalist honors, and in 2018, Fox won first-place at the Eddie Owens Presents Songwriter Shootout in Duluth, Georgia.
Fox’s knack and knowledge on discussing this variety of topics stems from his past profession as a hospital chaplain. He’s coming from a place that has a close proximity to grief, questioning religion, and a love of home, beautifully and carefully touching all of these points within 12 tracks.
Wasted Love is available to stream everywhere, and it’s a tear-jerker for sure.
