I’m doing something different and somewhat cheeky today. Not only am I writing about a band fronted by one of my best mates, there is also nothing remotely metal about this. However, as our gracious editorial overlords have given me the green light and in the end the purpose of this blog is to recommend our dear readers good music, here we are.
Wayward Fool is an Amsterdam based indie folk band. Initially the solo singer-songwriter project of itinerant minstrel Miko Balthaus, the band has turned into a bona fide family band bonanza, featuring brothers Miko and Leon Balthaus on guitar/vocals and percussion, respectively. Musically, their sound reminds me of acts like The Tallest Man on Earth with a laid-back, jazzy twist, underpinned by grizzled jazz piano veteran Dirk Balthaus, and recently further empowered by cellist River Adomeit. Comparisons to early Chef’Special and even The Mountain Goats are not particularly far-flung either.
The band have recently released single “The Good Ol’ Days”, following their debut album in 2022. Inspired by themes of wanderlust, love and yearning, Wayward Fool elicit a feeling perfectly encapsulated by the title of this latest single: a positive, warm and fuzzy kind of nostalgia, the sepia and polaroid hues of youth and freedom that we can all strive to hold on to, even if circumstances make for an epic struggle. It's a perfect jumping off point if you’re looking to reminisce or interested in something to break up the barrage of heavy and head-spinning music that usually springs forth from our wonderful blog.