JJ Wilde - “Funeral For A Lover”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Elle King, Adele, King Princess

JJ Wilde is showing all sorts of different musical sides on her 2019 debut EP Wilde Eyes, Steady Hands and a trio of top-notch singles released since. Before showing this diversity track to track, it’s worth noting JJ Wilde consistently nails each pocket of the pop/rock genres she’s going for, aided by the Canadian upstart’s smoky, gritty vocal tone. Start with the alt-rock drive of “State of Mind” before looping in thick, blues rock riffs on “The Rush”, letting in some alt-country/Southern rock forms that tend to ride through the rest of Wilde’s songs either in subtle or outright ways. Already evolving her sound, 2019 single “Home” digs into swampy rock and roll with a jangly groove underneath followed by “Trouble”, a dreamy, cautious R&B number that finds tension in space rather than overloading with the implied stoner rock riffs that burst in the song’s chorus. Finally, 2020 single “Funeral for a Friend” has Wilde trying on her balladry shoes and succeeding with the most emotionally rich song in her impressive opening salvo. (Kevin McStravick)