Nick Carpenter, performing under the moniker Medium Build, approaches music with an all-in attitude. The Georgia-born singer-songwriter takes seemingly minor moments and turns them into sweeping, cinematic pop songs, while still maintaining an intimate connection with his listeners. This was evident on his earlier album Country, which, despite its title, veers away from traditional roots music but retains the straightforward emotional power reminiscent of classic Nashville songwriters.
His latest release, Marietta, named after his Georgia hometown, builds on this roots-adjacent sound, delivering five powerful and relatable tracks. Carpenter’s impassioned vocal style, infused with a sense of urgency akin to Car Seat Headrest’s Will Toledo, brings an anxious, almost desperate energy to each song, as if every lyric were a call for help.
On the standout track “John & Lydia,” Carpenter reflects on his parents, confronting the difficulty of seeing them as fully realized individuals rather than just “Mom and Dad.” His lyrics convey an intense emotional depth as he sings, “Things that were shaping you / Are things that are shaping me,” exploring how family dynamics shape our identities. He poignantly questions, “Did I grow up into someone that you like?” and closes with a touching affirmation: “I’m so glad we’re family.” It’s a powerful and tender exploration of familial relationships that will likely bring tears to listeners’ eyes.
Another standout moment on the EP is the haunting “Yoke,” which features guitar and harmony vocals from Julien Baker, a long-time friend from their college days at Middle Tennessee State. The track delves into Carpenter’s experiences at a religious college and his subsequent struggle to reconcile with the dogmatic beliefs he left behind. Reflecting on how those “lifelong friends” who once shared his faith no longer speak to him, he muses about his search for peace and identity beyond the confines of religion.
The EP opens and closes with two songs that tackle the concept of love from contrasting angles. The intense “Triple Marathon” is a raw exploration of love’s darker, more obsessive side, where Carpenter admits, “It’s so weird to feel like someone knows me, I guess this is love.” The song captures the unsettling feeling of being deeply intertwined with someone, yet questioning the nature of that connection. In contrast, the gentle “Faded Blue” takes a more serene approach, reflecting on quiet moments spent walking a dog with a friend and concluding with the simple but profound, “I don’t know what love is, but I love this.” After the emotional weight of the other tracks, this final song offers a soft, reassuring conclusion, filled with grace.
Marietta is an emotional journey that showcases Carpenter’s ability to transform personal experiences into deeply affecting music. His lyrics are filled with vulnerability, and his delivery, raw and urgent, leaves a lasting impact. This EP confirms Carpenter’s talent for blending introspective storytelling with expansive, cinematic soundscapes. – Jason Felton