SINGLE REVIEW: Shaky - Waitin / Help Me Understand
Shaky’s latest offerings, 'Waitin'' and 'Help Me Understand', come from his debut album Kinda Wild, each showcasing a different facet of his rugged, DIY indie sound. While distinct in tone and energy, both tracks reinforce his ability to weave raw imperfection into something compelling.
'Waitin'' settles into a mid-tempo groove, carried by Shaky’s raspy, semi-spoken vocals that hold a subtle country twang. There’s an intriguing looseness to the delivery, shifting into a jagged, Arctic Monkeys-esque sharpness in the chorus. The instrumentation follows suit—gentle and sweeping at first, then breaking into angular, spiky tones that heighten the tension. A standout moment comes with the solo, which remains true to the DIY ethos yet adds an engaging layer of intrigue. With its rugged imperfection and flashes of country influence nodding back to previousl, slightly amiss single ‘Silent Wonder’, 'Waitin'' reinforces Shaky’s ability to blend subtle contrasts into his sound.
'Help Me Understand' brings an entirely different energy—a jolly, uptempo jive that thrives on melody and movement. With echoes of mid-2000s British indie, it leans into bright, angular guitar work, adding bite and flair to its sweeping, rhythm-driven core. The hedonistic solos bring drama without excess, maintaining the balance between rawness and precision. Beneath it all, a steady groove keeps things tight, allowing the vocals to sit naturally in their laid-back yet artistic flow.
Together, these tracks complement each other, offering a balance between rugged, introspective indie rock and vibrant, hook-filled dynamism. 'Waitin'' thrives in its imperfections, while 'Help Me Understand' embraces a punchier, more immediate charm. Shaky proves here that his sound isn’t tied to one lane—he’s adapting, experimenting, and keeping things engaging while staying true to his raw, independent roots.
