From the moment Brennan Wedl rasps “Sock it to me!” at the chorus of “Scorpio,” it is clear that her self-titled debut album is a force to be reckoned with. The track fizzes with the kinetic energy of a shaken-up soda, mirroring the explosive potential of an artist who has finally found her footing. Wedl’s vocal delivery—a striking hybrid of Lucinda Williams and Liz Phair—ricochets through arrangements built on thick slabs of electric guitar and hearty, rhythmic cowbell.
Nearly a decade ago, the Minnesota-born artist was a college student in Boston, sharing vocal duties in the short-lived queercore outfit Dazey and the Scouts. While that band found a cult following on TikTok years after their dissolution, Wedl has since moved to Nashville and signed with ANTI-. Her debut is the result of a star-studded collaboration, featuring contributions from MJ Lenderman, Katie Crutchfield, and acclaimed producer Brad Cook.
While her signature attitude remains—evidenced by the sharp, biting lyrics of “Roses between your teeth / I’ll be so sweet it’ll make your tongue bleed”—there is a significant sonic evolution from her earlier work. Her instrumentals have gained muscle and a distinct country twang, while her voice has matured into a rich, molasses-like alto. Her pivot to country feels less like a calculated move and more like a natural progression; her outlaw drawl and tales of honky-tonk misadventures feel entirely authentic.
On tracks like “Fake Cowboy,” Wedl explores the tropes of the genre with a blend of snark and earnestness that sets her apart from her peers. Her ability to weave together vintage flourishes with modern, snappy humor makes her songwriting feel both timeless and urgent. Whether she is referencing Bob Dylan or dreaming of the Jumbotron at MSG, she manages to make the familiar feel entirely new.
Ultimately, this record serves as a definitive moment for Wedl, proving her capability as a daring leading lady of Southern rock. Much like the work of Lucinda Williams or Liz Phair, these songs are united by an intense, burning desire to make the inner workings of the heart known. Brennan Wedl has arrived in the spotlight, and she is far too bright to ignore.
