Local Review: Bly Wallentine – I Found My Foot

Bly Wallentine
I Found My Foot

Camp Creep
Street: 12.05
Bly Wallentine = Sufjan Stevens (All Delighted People) – Panda Bear – Sean Nicholas Savage (Screamo)

Bly Wallentine does it again with a jam-packed, psych rock–infused album that feels both alarming and satisfying. Alarming because, as with Wallentine’s last release, Dizzy Giant, I was once again not understanding or enjoying the album on my first listen. But, after a few more listens (some sober, some not), I was completely shocked, overwhelmed and satisfied. The Provo artist is mighty talented with a unique voice and creative knack for twisting and bending performative norms. And don’t get me started on their lyrics—it would take months to justifiably unpack Wallentine’s thoughts and words throughout this LP. 

As I did with my last review on Wallentine’s work, there’s no point to start digging in with the first song, so, onto the second, “My Unkempt Billies.” Right away I’m drawn to the cheerful tune, which has a faint, comparable style to MIKA as well as Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky.” The merriness doesn’t last long, however. “Beautiful Guns” is quite the facade of a song; At first, it seems to be a love song, a fixation on someone … or something. Wallentine’s notorious, bellowing vocals overpower what exactly they are communicating. You desperately want to discover their choice of words and what it all means. Regardless, the track still encompasses a whimsical journey with Wallentine repeating: “Inside and out / Inside and out.” 

“Providence Crow” is one of the standout tracks. This six-minute song—damn. I can’t even describe the rich complexity and thoughtful production. Wallentine’s musicality is just too good. The originality and various influences are tightly compacted to the point where it’s hard to even believe Bly Wallentine is based in Provo. Their awareness of what works and what can be digested is similar to artists like Kevin Barnes and Todd Rundgren. 

“Limit to My Love” also is a standout and makes me question the title: Is there a limit to love? Can we only give so much to others, ourselves and our communities and actually have it prosper and be from the heart? Yes, this song obviously is subjectively about Wallentine and their experiences. Wallentine sings, “Even if I can’t help be around you / There’s a limit to my love / Even when it hurts to think about you / There’s a limit to my love.” 

I Found My Foot needs to be heard more than once. Bly Wallentine not only seems to have found their “foot” but also has embraced this sublime world (here and out there) with open arms. –Kassidy Waddell

Read more from Kassidy Waddell:
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