Review of Waiting For The Water To Recede by Anders Isherwood

John Magnuson’s Waiting For The Water To Recede, released on October 3, 2024, is a compelling follow-up to his 2020 debut solo album, Barely Noticeable. This Minneapolis-based songwriter, formerly of the 90s alt-country outfit The Carpetbaggers, delivers a record steeped in Americana, indie folk-rock, and honky-tonk influences, with a distinctive twang that nods to classic country while carving out a modern, introspective edge. Produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Rob Genadek, the album features a tight ensemble of Twin Cities musicians, including Paul McFarland (Run Westy Run, Lolo’s Ghost), John Sandbo (Curtiss A and the Dark Click), Mike Crabtree (Carpetbaggers, Matt Caflisch Band), Paul Bergen (Erik Koskinen, Molly Maher), and Jeff Victor (Peter Himmelman, The Honeydogs). The result is a cohesive, richly textured sound that balances raw energy with lyrical depth.

Musical Style and Sound

The album’s 11 tracks blend rock-steady melodic structures with a swampy, rootsy vibe, drawing comparisons to eclectic songwriters like John Hiatt and Nick Lowe, as noted in reviews of Magnuson’s earlier work. The arrangements are uncluttered, keeping the focus on Magnuson’s expressive vocals and storytelling. Tracks like “The Curb To Which I Have Been Kicked” bring a darkly driving intensity, while “Ain’t Afraid” channels swampy honky-tonk swagger. “She’s Got A Little Johnny In Her Hands” leans into voodoo rock mystique, and “The Farther Away I Get From You” offers a more reflective, folk-leaning tone. The title track, “Waiting For The Water To Recede,” sets the mood with its evocative imagery, blending acoustic warmth with a sense of restless yearning.

The production is polished yet retains a gritty authenticity, with the band’s chemistry shining through. The interplay of Rhodes keys, fuzzy guitars, and steady rhythms creates a dynamic backdrop that shifts effortlessly between moody introspection and upbeat, toe-tapping grooves. The album’s sonic palette feels both timeless and fresh, rooted in Americana traditions but unafraid to flirt with psychedelic and alt-rock edges.

Lyrical Themes

Magnuson’s songwriting is the heart of the album, weaving tales of resilience, heartbreak, and existential searching. The lyrics, often poetic and layered, grapple with themes of struggle and redemption, as seenin the title track’s metaphor of waiting for clarity amidst chaos: “Walking on the water, wading in the water/ Waiting for the water to recede.” Lines like “You really oughta start to swim now before the tide /Swallows you up whole then looks for more” evoke a sense of urgency and survival, while others, like“When I’m weak you’re all I’ll ever need / Then I think I’m strong and all I’ll ever need is me,” capture the push-pull of human relationships with raw honesty.

Tracks such as “The Blues I’ve Always Had” and “Sins Of Cowardice” delve into personal reflection, with Magnuson’s voice conveying both vulnerability and grit. His ability to balance humor and melancholy—evident in the playful yet poignant “Like A Diamond In A Pie”—adds depth, making the album resonate on multiple levels. The lyrics often feel like conversations with a weathered friend, grounded in real-world experience but elevated by poetic nuance.

Standout Tracks

• “The Curb To Which I Have Been Kicked”: A brooding, high-energy track with a driving rhythm and sharp lyrical bite, showcasing Magnuson’s ability to channel frustration into compelling rock.

• “Ain’t Afraid”: A standout for its swampy honky-tonk groove, this track exudes confidence and rootsy charm, perfect for fans of classic Americana.

• “She’s Got A Little Johnny In Her Hands”: Infused with voodoo rock energy, this song is a bold departure, blending mysticism with a gritty edge.

• “The Farther Away I Get From You”: A tender, introspective ballad that highlights Magnuson’s emotional range and knack for storytelling.

• “Waiting For The Water To Recede”: The title track sets the tone with its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, serving as a thematic anchor for the album.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The album’s greatest strength lies in its authenticity and Magnuson’s songwriting prowess. His voice—both literal and lyrical—feels lived-in, carrying the weight of experience without pretense. The band’s synergy and Genadek’s production elevate the material, giving it a polished yet organic feel. The diversity of styles, from honky-tonk to folk-rock to psychedelic-tinged rock, keeps the album engaging across its runtime.

If there’s a weakness, it’s that the album’s cohesion occasionally wavers due to its stylistic range. While tracks like “Ain’t Afraid” and “She’s Got A Little Johnny In Her Hands” shine individually, they can feel slightly disjointed from the more introspective cuts like “The Blues I’ve Always Had.” This variety, however, may also be a strength for listeners who enjoy genre-blending records. Additionally, while the lyrics are consistently strong, some tracks lean heavily on familiar Americana tropes, which might feel less inventive to purists of the genre.

Context and Reception

Building on the foundation of Barely Noticeable, which was praised for its “rock-steady melodic values” and “uncluttered arrangements,” Waiting For The Water To Recede feels like a natural evolution. Magnuson’s history with The Carpetbaggers and his connections to the Minneapolis music scene lend the album a sense of rootedness, while his collaborations with seasoned players ensure a high level of musicianship. The album has been well-received in local circles, with availability at Twin Cities record stores like Electric Fetus and Barely Brothers, and it’s also accessible for streaming on platforms like Apple Music and Boomplay.

Final Verdict

Waiting For The Water To Recede is a strong sophomore effort from John Magnuson, showcasing his growth as a solo artist and his deep roots in Americana and indie folk-rock. It’s an album that feels both personal and universal, blending twangy grit with introspective lyricism. Fans of John Hiatt, Nick Lowe, or Wilco will find plenty to love here, as will anyone who appreciates heartfelt songwriting backed by a crackling band. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s a rewarding listen that captures the spirit of resilience and reflection. I’d give it a solid 8/10 for its craftsmanship, emotional depth, and infectious energy.

If you’re curious to hear it, check it out on Bandcamp, Apple Music, or local Minneapolis record stores.

For a deeper dive, the lyrics on Magnuson’s website offer a great window into his storytelling.