Wastelander is the solo project of Cooper Foreman, a Portland, Maine, USA-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He’s just come to my attention thanks to his debut album. A twelve-track collection of introspection, he reflects on themes of romance, self doubt, disillusionment and self compassion. It’s called What is Left of Me.
By Graeme Smith
Gifted from a young age, Cooper began his musical career in community theatre at the age of ten. He had his first gig at thirteen, and through his formal education explored jazz and composition. During his time in Baltimore, he played drums in Americana Bar bands, and was part of the post-punk art rock band The Fluids in New York City. What is Left of Me gives us tastes of his musical upbringing, but what we get from the album is a different direction altogether.
The album opens with Get it Right. It’s a soft and dreamy start. Elements of folk meet with psychedelic rock, while its lyrics and vocals give us undertones of melancholia. There’s a relatable emotion to it all, especially during its cathartic release of a chorus. I instantly knew I was in for something special with this album.
Get Older takes things in a dark and moodier direction. There’s a restrained urgency to its tempo, and it’s awash in cavernous bass. Be Where sees Cooper teaming up with Erin Rae, and the pair give us a gentler side of the Wastelander sound thanks to the compelling harmonies in its chorus. As You See provides a gloomy yet uplifting highlight through its intimate lyrics and timeless composition.
Caduceus introduces some harder rock elements. It has a rich instrumental arrangement with lively drums and electric guitar, and cynical lyrics. Broken Leg lightens things musically without losing any of the heaviness of the lyrics before Figure it Out gives us some jazz-rock and some sinister story telling. It’s another highlight.
Natural Light is suitably airy while Room Full of Elephants is intimate, vulnerable and poetic. Never Trust a Man has a soulful groove and biting lyrics. The album then closes with a pair of collaborations with Erin Rae. I Just Want to be Your Friend is bright, folky and hopeful before title track What is Left of Me wraps things up with reluctantly affirmational joy.
What is Left of Me was co-produced by Paul Defiglia who also played bass. Also featuring on the album are Erin Rae, Jo Schornikow, Spencer Cullum Jr, Larissa Maestro and Dom Billet. It was recorded on vintage tape equipment in East Nashville’s Daylight Studio. The album is out now, and you can check it out below.
