Spell It Out is a thoroughly enjoyable EP from Waterplanet, the project of Baltimore-based songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Millie Landrum and James Hesse. Spanning from the punchy horn-laden opener “Supersonic” to the textured, jangly introspection within “Force of Nature,” the release excels across all four tracks. The Baltimore-based duo combine psychedelia, folk, pop, and rock with artful enthrallment, complemented by engaging lyricism that spans themes of personal empowerment, overthinking, awkwardness, and ongoing resilience in the face of tumult.
“Supersonic” opens the EP with vibrant infectiousness, particularly engaging in the use of Boston-area horn players. Momentum-filled vocals and steady acoustic strums build with feverish enjoyment, culminating in a hooky “she’s got it / she’s supersonic” central hook. The horns emerge thereafter, melding seamlessly with the spirited vocal presence, sturdy rhythms, and shimmering guitars. Playfully reflective backing vocals further bolster the enjoyable mix, full of contagious energy. The ensuing “Get Out of Bed” also enamors, stirring in its synth and guitar interplay — cathartic in its themes of conquering tumult and negativity, emphasized in the “Everyone is awkward / Just get out of bed” plea.
Another standout track, “Under, Over” succeeds in a bursting rock entrancement — with hypnotic vocals and twangy guitar delights combining for a psych-touched rock success. Spacey synths and jangling guitars combine for an especially magnetic mid-point, with the “shouting into the air” lyricism conveying an enjoyable risk-taking, carpe-diem sentiment. EP finale “Force of Nature” continues the quality songwriting, fusing a debonair vocal lead and thumping rhythms, into a gorgeous guitar jangling past the two-minute mark; the aesthetic reminds fondly of later-era Supergrass. Spell It Out is a gripping overall success of an EP from Waterplanet.
