Half Waif

Half Waif is the moniker for Nandi Rose Plunkett, a keyboard player, singer-songwriter based in New York, who has also been a member of the band Pinegrove. Her music is usually low to mid-tempo, led by a piano or a synth, often coupled with electronic percussion, occasionally drums, and overdubbed vocals to create a chorus effect. It's not hard to catch glimpses of her classical training shows in her piano-led pieces. Her arrangements feel meticulously thought through with perhaps a touch of late period Kate Bush sound especially in her recent albums in the way her voice plays off of her sparse soundscape. She creates a nice dynamic range in her songs rather than sticking to the same volume and intensity. She is a terrific singer and a highly skilled composer with subtle melodies. There are moments where, with some squinting, you can catch a glimpse of Joni Mitchell influences in the way she constructs her melodies.