It was only June of last year that Vodka discovered Ebony Buckle with the review for Ghost. I say only, as it seems an interminably long time ago in the pandemic ravaged world we currently live in. Since that time, Ebony Buckle has continued to create, making music with her partner Nick Burns, by tapping into her faithful Patreon followers to raise funds to keep the music and videos flowing. Wonder (seen/heard here) (released February 1, 2021) is another masterpiece of musical creation, mining the story of the whale known as 52, sometimes referred to as the loneliest whale, and turning it on its head as the whale explores a universe rather than the seafloor. 

Yet Wonder has nothing to do with the whale. It is simply a symbol of our own world and our own exploration. Buckle challenges us to take another look at our relative worlds and see the wonder, the beauty, the hope. Sometimes I tend to repeat myself, but I will unapologetically say again that this is exactly what we need as humans: to see the beauty and hope, to look at what surrounds us with the awe it is deserved. 

Buckle’s voice is so pristine here. It rings like a bell struck, including the light echo applied to the mix, that could obscure the lyrics if it weren’t for her flawless diction. The music here is designed to be, and is, magical.  It is a light composition, dreamy, simply there to add texture to Ebony Buckle’s pipes. Lyrically, the whale calls out, describing what it observes, detailing the wonder, looking for a response that never comes. 

As musicians go, Ebony Buckle has consistently made great, sometimes eclectic, tunes. This is pop music for a more sophisticated and diverse palate, which just means that you won’t find it formulaic or imitative. You can find more information on her website, which links to all of her other content. Watch for the release of her debut long-player, Disco Lasers, from which Wonder comes, due out in the next few months.

Like the mythical whale from Wonder, we could do worse than looking at our own environment and appreciating what surrounds us. Watch for the release of Disco Lasers and pick it up when it releases. If you would like to help Ebony Buckle continue to make new music, consider joining her Patreon account.

Note: With Covid-19 still around, probably to be with us for some time, artists like Ebony Buckle and many others need your purchases to keep their heads above water. If your situation allows it, consider purchasing more in these tough times. –Vodka