Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Judas Goat & The Bellwether – Water Into Wine (2024)

In our interview with Judas Goat & The Bellwether earlier this year, vocalist Sara Vian described music as “…a particular tool of survival… [and] connects me with my soul…” – it is this attitude of music embodied by Judas Goat & The Bellwether. As a band, the natural talents of Vian, Pete Vincent (acoustic guitar), Sash Impey (lead guitar), Jim Scriven (bass), and Stefan Steinhoff (drums) capture humanity’s raw emotion, in all its grit, with an indie-rock-inspired sound. Today we take a gander and a listen to ‘Water Into Wine’ – a song composed and performed by members Sara Vian and Pete Vincent.

Following their well-received singles ‘Ghosts In The Sand’ and ‘There Is Always A Dawn’, Vian and Vincent bind a blend of folk, indie-rock and hints of country in a moving tune. Dragging one back to the folk music of the 1970s, there is a strong vintage feeling to ‘Water Into Wine’; however, amidst the retro vibe, a sliver of contemporary indie-folk exists threading different eras, styles and sounds together in a few minutes of music.

As with previous material, the lyricism and theme add weightiness to the track; in ‘Water Into Wine’, the band steps into a celebration of life with religious allure. Sara Vian explains:

“It’s an acoustic gospel song about Jesus this time. When Pete sent me the riff, I could see a troubled cowboy in the desert and it just took me on a journey into the redemptive power of love, prayer, and community in very challenging times.”

For me, the poetic lyricism is profound in its heartfelt tenderness, yet it is the melody that enhances the depth of the single. While the band explores the “redemptive power of prayer…” in words, it is the duality of the song that makes an impact on me. Soft and serene, a soothing acoustic guitar calms you with the bass lingering beneath; however, there is a simultaneous roar of vulnerability, fragility and self-reflection oozing from its soft ballad. Just like a prayer, the softer presentation has the greatest influence with ‘Water Into Wine’.


In addition to the single, Judas Goat & The Bellwether released an official lyric video for ‘Water Into Wine’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel.



Find out more about Judas Goat & The Bellwether on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


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