Una Walkenhorst - "Woman of the Year"

UNA WALKENHORST- “WOMAN OF THE YEAR”

Self-released digitally - 04.16.20.

“I’ve thought a lot about how to describe Una Walkenhorst’s new EP Woman of the Year and I can only find one word that even comes close. Powerful. This work of art is a true representation of the reclamation of the self; your own human experience. Wielding unparalleled lyricism, control, purposeful emotion, and hues of folk, she invites you to examine your self-worth and the path to seeing the caliber of your validity and adventures.

Starting off steady, “People in the Paper” evokes a softness that is sorely missed or often hidden in the real world. With authentic attentive care, enduring strums of her guitar invite us into her realm — somewhere we are grateful to be visiting. All encompassing harmonies trickle down to a pool of empathy and lets us see mirrors of reflections of others in the same boat. She imparts her soft strength by commanding her resistance towards passive apathy found on every street corner: “Hope you find someone immune to life’s cruel nature / cause you surely won't be finding her in me.” There is strength in being soft and Una Walkenhorst helps us see the truth in that.

Taking us next to “Pretty Face”, we see flashes of travels-- new places, people, and, of course, faces. Upbeat, the drums take us along with her (so buckle your seatbelt). Accepting the new challenges that come with new experiences she reminds us to be excited to encounter them by saying “I welcome all this danger I am facing.” With words of wisdom, Walkenhorst knows that through these trials and tribulations she will be better off: “I’ll find my voice and I'll find my place.”

Slowing down with some smooth strings and plucks of the guitar, “Man Like the City” slowly builds into a skyscraper of prevailing instrumentation that houses the comfort of aloneness and the freedom that comes from within. Marching drums coupled with Imagery of the big city fosters a very specific potential that can only be brought out by the self. There, alone and strong, she explains “There’s no one to impress / I don’t have to undress to prove that I’m here and I’m movin’ / that my facts are proven.” All men should be like the city.

With simple, yet commanding strums of the guitar, “Middle Man” we are given stunning vocalizations combined with intentful drums and thoughtful strings to promote the pick-yourself-up mentality all little girls should’ve been taught. Lyrics champion finding happiness from within: “I’m done hopin’ for a middle man.” It’s time to take happiness into your own hands. Don’t worry, you got this.

Walkenhorst leaves us with “The Woman Who Owned Herself” and a new empowering sense of self-possession. Enduring piano underlies her dynamic vocal melody that’s reminiscent of the feeling of positive change. Ending on such a heartfelt note, you feel thankful having her journey shared with you. These short descriptions aren’t enough to encapsulate everything this EP holds. All I have left to say is — Thank you, Una.”

Review by ::

Skylar Rochelle

Manor Team Member & Blog Editor

Manor Records gives 100% of article author rights to Skylar Rochelle.