Over the last five years or so, Wendy Eisenberg has been keeping listeners guessing. Nominally an improvising guitarist, they don’t recognize any musical limitations, perpetually finding ways to apply a deeply exploratory practice to a wide variety of contexts. Their musical range isn’t a glib manifestation of eclecticism, but a genuine artistic essence.
The prolific New York City-based songwriter and guitarist’s work spans a vast range of genres — from jazz to noise to avant-rock — and their new partnership with Joyful Noise celebrates this eclecticism, encompassing both their solo work and a variety of other projects.
On her latest solo single, “Will You Dare,” Eisenberg captures an infectious warmth that emphasizes the poetic grace she brings to contemporary folk. This is a no-bells-or-whistles kind of single, one with an immersive simplicity that dances like a flame. In lieu of modern theatrics, Eisenberg finds a balance between tradition and her personal truths, delivering a heartfelt vocal performance that cascades around twangy guitars and sleek melodies. Eisenberg’s range allows her to infuse even the most familiar tropes with a sense of singularity, giving “Will You Dare” a familiarity that also feels ethereal. The artist uses this unique atmosphere to detail the triumph and turmoil of realizing you’re in love, as Eisenberg reaches an emotional crossroads throughout her latest single. “Will You Dare” introduces an empathetic songwriter who only needs herself to create folksy magic.
“It’s a simple little song about true love and the passage of time,” explains Eisenberg. “Will you dare is the real question – do you dive into the impossibility of true love, be shameless, even though if you’re doing it right, it’ll rip you to shreds and show you your ass?”
