Newspoke is a new indie-folk duo with a catch — and they’re completely anonymous. Their debut album, Faces, out March 2, somehow feels so personal and raw, even though you have no idea who is behind the voice and the songs. A mysterious persona sings warm songs that inspire a deep connection, and maybe that mystery makes it all the more effective.
It’s all driven by the vocalist’s strong voice with a raspy quality that hints at an undertone of pain. His voice brings deeply personal lyrics to life, and listening to these songs is something special.
Substream Magazine described it well, saying, “Newspoke is a band shrouded in mystery; there are no names or faces, there is only the music and visual artistry that the collective decides that they’re willing to share with the world.”
Oddly enough, the anonymity makes the album feel all the more intimate.
Newspoke is Dark with Comedic Undertones
“On the surface, the album appears to be about heartbreak, illness, and loneliness, but it’s actually about redemption, fighting back and laughing it off,” the band explained.
Faces is an album about people – their experiences, their thoughts, and their feelings.
The song “Best” exemplifies a more blatantly positive side to the record. “I did my best,” the singer repeats throughout the song. The sound is a little more upbeat, offering a nearly dance-like quality in its peak.
The corresponding music video is simple hand-drawn animation, but it works. The smiley face is blatantly positive, maybe ironically so in some regard. The message of the song is clear: while going through hard times, it’s important to recognize that you’re doing your best.
A highlight of the album is “Judas Tree,” which is an example of the more raw and emotional side of Newspoke. It’s a song about visiting someone who is terminally ill, and the vocalist’s raspy voice demonstrates the sadness and pain that comes with it. It’s a truly beautiful song, driven by Americana-influenced harmonica.
From the more outright positive “Best” to the emotional and tragic “Judas Tree” and a lot in between, Newspoke’s debut Faces is honest and beautifully raw. Though it may be tempting to want to put a face and a name to the passionate voice and well-crafted music, there is something charming and special about Newspoke’s anonymity.
