Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Waterdeep, Tandem
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Waterdeep
Tandem



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Folk
Album length: 10 tracks
Street Date: May 21, 2020


READER RATING:   


Waterdeep is one of those bands that has been on the scene for a long time but gone mostly unnoticed. In spite of sharing a record label with Chevelle and Sixpence None the Richer, having a song turned into a hit by Third Day, or being heavily involved with the Nashville music scene, Don and Lori Chaffer (the husband-wife duo behind the group) have managed to stay active on the fringe. That activity has resulted in their latest studio album, Tandem, a stripped-down folk affair that likely gets its name from the way the set list plays out. The Chaffers trade off lead vocals on each song and (for the most part) trade off on who wrote each song. The result is a poignant and thoughtful album of 10 solid tunes.

Lori Chaffer gets the ball rolling with "Know Your Name," a convicting song about the marginalized. In a verse about racism, it contains the brutal lyric, "They say don't make a scene and don't cause a fuss / Just go take your seat at the back of the bus." If ever a lyric was meant to punch you in the face, that is it. "Walking for a Living" shifts gears by simultaneously expressing frustration over making an impact as a creative, but also serving a warning about being too ambitious. "One O'Clock" also serves a dual purpose, relating how suddenly life can change and then seemingly specifying a personal incident. "You Showing Up Here" finds Don Chaffer showing reluctance over keeping up a relationship. Is it between him and God or him and someone else? It's not clear, at least initially. But it does contain another great lyric: "I'm a whale who knows how to avoid a harpoon." "We Made It Out" and "Already Gone" find the Chaffers taking turns reflecting on past relationships that more or less worked out. "Blessing" returns to the realm of songs with dual meaning. On one hand, it asks for blessing on children to grow up kind and loving, but also subtly turns a critical eye on how Christians are showing love in this present age. "This Is Now" tries to focus on the present and move on from the past, using the premise of time travelling as a launch point. The final two tracks, "Over the Snow" and "Half of My Time," are the most poetic and enigmatic of the collection. Especially of note is the latter - a sprawling, somber tune that feels like a collaboration between Don McLean and Leonard Cohen.

The songs on Tandem are all beautifully well-done. Their stripped-down arrangements help emphasize the messages and add to the atmosphere. Indeed, listening to this album, one can tell two master musicians are at the helm. The middle two tracks are maybe the least effective, feeling a little too specific for the average listener to latch on to. Still, they either work emotionally or contain a catchy chorus to linger in your ear. The interesting way the set list is laid out also adds to this record's charm. Lori's songs feel more socially pointed or engaged while most of Don's tracks feel world-weary and disengaged. He seems to turn with "This is Now," but it's interesting to listen to his progression through the run time. Overall, if you are (like this reviewer) unfamiliar with Waterdeep and their work, Tandem may be a good place to jump in. Will it push them out of the fringe? Probably not. But it's a record well worth a listen and a year's-best consideration.

- Review date: 8/21/20, written by John Underdown of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Hey Ruth Music
. Album length: 10 tracks
. Street Date: May 21, 2020
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Google Play
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Know Your Name (2:51)
  2. Walking for a Living (3:19)
  3. One O'clock (4:37)
  4. You Showing up Here (4:21)
  5. We Made It Out (4:19)
  6. Already Gone (3:17)
  7. Blessing (3:05)
  8. This Is Now (2:51)
  9. Over the Snow (4:24)
  10. Half of My Time (6:06)

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images