The W Lovers: This Little Town Review

The W Lovers is a duet formed by Fleur and Wesley Wood. The pair met in 2011 while Fleur was touring North America from her homeland New Zealand. Having rented a guitar amplifier for her Canadian shows, she stopped into a music store in Seattle to buy one for her U.S. dates. It was Wesley, who by chance had come in to work that day (on his day off) who sold Fleur the amplifier. Wesley started performing with Fleur around Seattle and in 2014. The result is The W Lovers – a songwriting folk/ Americana duo. In 2016, the duet released their debut album and hit the road touring and writing songs together. After four years of live shows, Fleur and Wesley Wood are releasing their second album, This Little Town.

About the Album

This Little Town takes a shift towards exposing their folkier side and they are joined by a cast of excellent musicians. Fleur Wood on vocals and guitars, Wesley Wood on mandolin, harmonica, guitars, and vocals and they are joined by: Kieth Lowe on bass, Taylor Carroll on drums
and Taylor Carroll, Fleur Wood, Ryan Hadlock, and Wesley Wood on percussion. Produced by Ryan Hadlock at Bear Creek Studios with mixing by Ryan Hadlock and was mastered by Gavin Lurrssen. The album has ten tracks of original songs by the couple.  The duet has a chemistry that is a honest love of each other and their music. Fleur’s voice is hauntingly warm and blends seamlessly with Wesley’s. The varied instrumentation is a treat and keeps things flowing.

Our Favorite Track

Our Favorite Track:  We liked the titled track “This Little Town.” Lyrically it signifies change, and the loss of many beautiful finite things and the rebirth of anew. Fluer Wood’s voice is resolute and resonate.  Supported by husband Wesley Wood on mandolin and backing vocals, the two mix together with pure splendor. Bass and drums augment their acoustic sound, adding a depth to the overall timbres. I found myself going back for several listens, with each listen, delicate nuances are revealed.  Most off all the kinship that is developed with Fluer’s voice as a listener, lingers.  I was not familiar with her singing previously, but now I will keep her on my radar.

In Conclusion

The W Lovers have an honest and organic sound, the Wood’s are a tightly woven duet that have clearly put in the road miles to develop a sound that is uniquely theirs.  The ten songs on This Little Town is a meaningful and heartfelt collection of mindful tunes that evoke storied songs for the every day person to enjoy and weave into their day. Currently the title track is available for download, and the entire album will be available for purchase on May 3, 2019.