We Speak Music

Slow Pilot’s ‘Falling off the Earth’: A Soundscape of Resilience and Reflection

Published

6 months ago

November 5, 2024

Slow Pilot’s, Falling off the Earth, is a sonic and emotional masterpiece, capturing the bittersweet complexity of life through eleven thoughtfully crafted tracks. The band’s collaboration with renowned producer Luuk Cox, known for his work with artists like Stromae, has elevated their sound, allowing them to explore darker, more introspective themes with unmatched depth and authenticity.

Each song on the album is a testament to Slow Pilot’s willingness to experiment. “Parasites” stands out for its honest exploration of the fragility of life in the cultural sector during the pandemic. The track opens with a chilling, detached vibe that builds into an intense fusion of electronic and acoustic energy, reflecting the instability of the times. The lyrics capture a raw, universal sense of disillusionment, making it one of the album’s most powerful moments.

“Darkest of Days” embodies Slow Pilot’s central theme of transformation. This song’s progression from desolation to hope is reflected in the music itself, moving from a somber, atmospheric opening to an uplifting, rhythmic chorus. The subtle, shifting sounds capture the listener’s attention and encourage a sense of renewal, making it an inspiring addition to the album’s overall mood.

A track like “Molecules” showcases Slow Pilot’s unique style, combining both major and minor chords to create a sound that’s simultaneously familiar and unexpected. Robin Pecknold’s influence on this track is clear, as the song tells a deeply personal story of adaptation and connection. The use of shifting modes adds a layer of emotional complexity, inviting listeners to reflect on their own relationships and journeys.

Overall, Falling off the Earth, is an immersive, boundary-pushing album. Slow Pilot’s ability to blend diverse sounds and poignant lyrics creates a listening experience that’s both fresh and profound. With each track, the band reminds us that music has the power to heal, connect, and inspire.

We Speak Music

Waz-u drops ambient gem ‘Vermillion’ ft. Lilyg

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Don Reed

London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Waz-u returns with his second album, Preludes: Dusk Psalms, set for release on 16 May 2025 via independent label Biodiversity. The 15-track record further refines the artistic depth of his debut, blending electronic textures and classical compositional techniques in an intricate, immersive listening experience.

Ahead of the album release, Waz-u is dropping an exclusive vocal version of ‘Vermillion: G Major’ from the album, accompanied by its original instrumental version. ‘Vermillion’ with Lilyg will be released on 18 April 2025, evoking intimate indie-folk and pop and follows the release of a vocal version of ‘Lament’ with Tom Norrington. ‘The singles are a way to give a voice to the atmosphere of the record and to lyrically encapsulate some of the themes explored,’ explains Waz-u. ‘Lily and Tom are good friends of mine and have both been listening to early iterations of these preludes – it felt right to involve them directly on this record.’

‘Preludes: Dusk Psalms’ marks a new branch of Waz-u’s emerging sound, guided by the duality of tradition and innovation. Combining his musical roots in early ‘90s dub techno and classical music, the album weaves carefully layered synthesizers and electronics to evoke the ambience of sacred music — from the gentle timbres of a choir or an organ to the quiet, open, and reverberating spaces of a church. Also featured throughout the album is experimental musician G9 LUV, who creates textures and drones by bowing his bass guitar, resulting in cello-like sounds. The release follows Waz-u’s 2024 debut LP, Prayer For Dawn, which merged dub, techno, and electronica in an exploration of the ritualistic traditions associated with both organized religion and dance.

Bringing the album’s themes to life, Waz-u will celebrate the release of Preludes: Dusk Psalms with a special performance at Our Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, London on 14 May 2025. Set against the church’s resonant acoustics, the event will feature live performance arrangements, including a choir, with further details to be announced soon.