We Speak Music

The Neon Sea ‘As I Wonder’: A Sonic Odyssey That Captures the Heart and Mind

Published

4 months ago

December 16, 2024

Emerging from Dublin’s thriving alternative music scene, The Neon Sea bursts onto the stage with their mesmerizing debut single, ‘As I Wonder’. This track heralds a promising career for the band, with its seamless fusion of shoegaze’s ethereal introspection and post-punk’s relentless drive. Fronted by Tom Doyle, whose vocals guide the song like a beacon, the group wastes no time establishing their unique sound.

From the opening notes, the track pulls listeners into an expansive soundscape, where time and space seem to collapse. Layers of intricate guitar work and reverb-soaked harmonies create a dreamlike quality, balanced by a steady rhythm that propels the song forward. Dave Flood’s masterful production ensures every nuance shines, while Alex Wharton’s final touch at Abbey Road imbues the song with a timeless sheen.

Fans of The Cure and My Bloody Valentine will find much to love here, but ‘As I Wonder’ is far more than an echo of the past. Its anthemic build crescendos into an emotional high that recalls The Stone Roses at their peak, while maintaining a fresh identity that feels distinctly modern. Doyle’s thoughtful lyricism elevates the track further, exploring existential themes with a poetic grace.

The song’s introspective core is complemented by the band’s authentic artistic vision, evident in the abstract artwork created by Doyle’s five-year-old son. This personal touch adds a layer of charm and depth to their identity, proving that creativity knows no bounds.

In a world saturated with formulaic sounds, The Neon Sea’s debut feels like a breath of fresh air—a captivating blend of artistry and emotion that leaves a lasting impression. With ‘As I Wonder’, they’ve not just announced their arrival; they’ve set a high bar for what’s to come.

We Speak Music

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

Published

19 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.