By Jo Gale
As any avid reader of Provo Music Magazine can attest, there have been many hometown acts with humble beginnings that have now gone on to become household names. I’m convinced Wilbere is next. I first discovered the indie-folk rock group at their winning performance at Velour’s Winter Battle of the Bands this past December, where their nonchalant blend of acoustic and rock elements captivated listeners like myself. Their 2024 EP My Given Name displays the band’s talent and unique Provocore sound in an intimate and emotional way.
The album seems to be an introspection of self-discovery, analyzing how one’s past makes itself manifest in the present. The opening notes are plucked out on a banjo in the title track “My Given Name.” Banjo isn’t super commonly seen in the Utah indie scene, or even in Wilbere’s music. Yet, its seamless incorporation into the song sets the tone for the entire EP. The stripped-down, acoustic feel of the beginning of the song blended with The Backseat Lovers-style guitar lines easily enthralls listeners.
“Tether” has a catchy chorus sure to get stuck in your head, with lyrics drawling, “but I can’t seem to break your tether.” Anyone who’s fought a losing battle to let go and move on from someone (or something) that was once important in your life can relate to the song. The following track, “Break Me,” maintains the tether analogy with themes of keeping your feet on the ground — and is also highly impressive structurally, with layered vocals and a plethora of tempo changes as the song goes on.
In all honesty, my only critique is that the EP left me wishing there was more. I feel like there’s more to explore and more to be said in their themes. I have hopes, however, the band will continue to create more great new music. In the meantime, I highly recommend blasting My Given Name in the car with the windows down. At the very least, you should listen to my personal favorite track, “Rearview.” The song closes out the EP with a demonstration of some of Wilbere’s greatest performance and song-writing skills.
Be warned: You will, like me, be left wishing for more.
Listen to “Rearview” below, and be sure to follow Wilbere on Instagram to see their latest updates!