Jesse Bloodgood has spent years carving out a name for himself in the indie scene, whether co-fronting the rock outfit An Artist’s Depiction or experimenting with DIY textures in The Star-Reacher Syndicate. However, his latest solo EP, Wishful Thinker, feels like the moment he finally stops hiding behind the safety of a band dynamic and steps fully into the light. Recorded at Plaid Dog Recording in Massachusetts, this four-track collection is a masterclass in balancing “upbeat indie rock” with the kind of heavy, honest lyricism that sticks to your ribs.
The journey begins with “Lighthouse Night Owl”, where Bloodgood’s baritone vocals ground a percussive, atmospheric arrangement. It’s a song about gratitude and finding a steady hand during a storm, setting a tone of hard-won optimism. This leads into the title track, a vibrant anthem tackling self-doubt head-on. There is palpable tension while the music feels driving and hopeful, the lyrics reflect the messy reality of trying to stay afloat.”Tell Me What You Want” showcases Bloodgood’s vocal versatility, shifting from a gritty, textured growl to a soaring high register over glitchy guitar lines. The closer, “Cutting Room Floor”, truly haunts. Swapping guitars for a stark, piano-driven arrangement, Jesse explores darker corners of the psyche with chilling imagery. It is a vulnerable, unsettling end to a record that refuses to offer easy answers.
Wishful Thinker isn’t just background music; it’s a compact, internal dialogue set to melody. Bloodgood proves he is an essential chronicler of human vulnerability, offering a record that is as grounded as it is sublime. If you’re a fan of the raw, direct songwriting style of a young Connor Oberst, this EP is a mandatory addition to your rotation.
