In recent years, it feels like there have been more powerful voices to emerge in the rock and alternative rock scenes than ever before. One artist that has emerged as a unique and defining voice is Washington D.C.’s WRYT. The artist behind the name is Mychael Wright and his two-song self-titled debut EP features the songs “Ivory Tower” and “Milk and Honey”. WRYT is an exceptional mix of rock, grunge protest and bits of pop.
I know what you’re thinking – how can I possibly know what an artist has to say and get to know them in just two songs. The answer is of course to just listen, really listen to WRYT’s lyrics. In “Ivory Tower”, the natural front man sings, I won’t yield, let you grovel for your fill, I would gladly march forever. The undercurrent running rapidly below him is a tight, ferocious guitar. He transports the listener to an ebb and flow type of vibe and scenery – his words symbolizing stoicism, while the guitar and music bed suggests tearing down the establishment. Starting over. Things are askew in the world, and he sings with a heavy heart. I can surmise from his voice and the press kit photos that Wright is a young man – still when you hear him sing in “Ivory Tower” it’s not that he has a chip on his shoulder, it’s that he has seen enough and is ready for change. I suppose you could relay this song as a relationship song. Some people put up walls in a relationship and don’t want to bend or give up their power. In that respect, listeners could interpret this song a few different ways. That guitar, man, does it sing!
BANDCAMP: https://wryt.bandcamp.com/releases
Listeners get to dig deeper and fold back yet another layer to Wright’s artistry in “Milk and Honey”. A drumbeat, unnerving and unstoppable, follows the listener. Wright utilizes the word ‘deny’ frequently in this track. That drumbeat, the percussion elevates that word, leaving this listener forever changed by Wright’s urgency. The guitar I don’t think he’s pleading. I think there is optimism in his voice, but it’s distrusting. He’s passionate and his words come from the depth of his soul. You can’t fabricate that in a record studio or a computer – you either have it or you don’t. Wright possesses all of this talent, and he comes across as a natural. Oh this land of milk and honey tastes so bittersweet, he sings. The beat continues, like a pair of footsteps following you, as the guitar riffs ribbon themselves around Wright’s emotional delivery. He hits the word ‘bittersweet’ with a bit more melodic range. This song feels like it’s meant for an intimate conversation, but when you add in the music bed, it feels larger-than-life.
Does Wright show all his cards? Is there any mystery left to this new artist? We will have to wait and see, but the horizon looks wide open for an artist with such a unique perspective. WRYT is just two of many songs I think we will be hearing from this artist.
Chadwick Easton