By: Staff
Nick Carpenter, better known as Medium Build, has had an explosive 2024. With four studio albums and a handful of EPs under his belt, this wandering troubadour has remained a beloved secret among those who truly dig deep for their music gems. But this year has been nothing short of transformative. In April, Carpenter unveiled Cowboy, a 12-track marvel that interwove shimmering harmonies with the raw depth of his soulful vocals. After a whirlwind summer of festival stages and endless highways, Medium Build is closing the year with an intimate and evocative EP titled Marietta—a heartfelt nod to the town in Georgia that holds a special place in his story.
The EP opens with "Triple Marathon," a track that fuses earthy rock tones with a streak of rugged country charm, a hallmark of Carpenter’s sound. The song unfolds as a bittersweet country ballad, its chorus beckoning to a love that feels impossibly out of reach. Carpenter bares his soul as a yearning admirer, penning lines that ache with longing: "I've been making lists of things to do when you come back to town / I've been getting super jealous of the people you're around." It’s a poignant reflection on the spiraling struggle to earn another’s approval, even at the cost of self-identity.
On the resonant "John & Lydia," Medium Build ventures into deeply personal territory. The song, framed as a tender letter to his parents, wrestles with generational connection and the pursuit of validation. Carpenter’s voice brims with vulnerability as he muses: "Would we have been friends / If we were born at the same time? / Maybe in another life." The track beautifully navigates the emotional push and pull of becoming a reflection of his father, with the haunting question at its core: "Did I grow up into someone you like?"
The EP takes a breathtaking turn with "Yoke," featuring a stirring collaboration with Julien Baker of boygenius fame. Slowing the pace, the track dives into the weighty themes of addiction and the search for spiritual solace. Baker’s ethereal vocals weave seamlessly with Carpenter’s, creating a tender, almost sacred atmosphere. Reflecting on their partnership, Carpenter shared, “Julien’s presence on this song feels like a trusted friend holding your hand while you share your most vulnerable truths.” The track’s production feels like a quiet sanctuary, carried by the gentle hum of guitar and unvarnished emotion.
Rounding out the project, "Dad's 4Runner" and "Faded Blue" bring Marietta to a contemplative close. The former revisits fractured connections and the ghosts of past relationships, while the latter taps into the wistful wonder of childhood through a lush blend of blues and folk. Together, these tracks serve as a mirror for Carpenter’s introspection, offering a final chapter to his year-long journey of self-discovery.
With Marietta, Medium Build delivers a vivid and heartfelt tapestry of memory, longing, and growth. This five-track odyssey is a shining testament to his artistry—compact yet profoundly resonant, leaving listeners both stirred and eager for what’s to come.
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