Waldo Witt - “Pathways”
Photo courtesy of Waldo Witt
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter John Waldo Wittenmyer, aka Waldo Witt, returns to the blog with the vintage-toned indie rock ballad, “Pathways.”
“Pathways” has a lush, mid-1970s vibe running through its textures bringing to mind the more breezy, polished works of John Lennon. Over the crisp and punchy drums that set a steady beat for the anchoring bass line, Waldo Witt surrounds us with the warm layers of rhythmic electric and acoustic guitars. Subtle, clean, and weaving, when coupled with the melodic piano, the track feels nothing short of cinematic.
Soulful, whilst conveying hints of vulnerability and in places a touch of grit, the vocal performance sits comfortably in the mid-ranges throughout. Supported by lush harmonies, and with what sounds like a classic Leslie speaker effect, the delivery also has a pleasing vintage vibe.
The standout element in “Pathways,” though, is the well-written, heartfelt lyrics that are brimmed full of self-reflection and again have a delightful hint of Lennon woven throughout them. This is classic songwriting and “Pathways” showcases Waldo Witt’s flair for writing nostalgic, emotionally resonant tracks.