“Take a song wherever it wants to go” is the tenet Southern Resident Killer Whales follow when it comes to creating their music, and you can truly feel this fluidity and freeness in their latest EP “Wave Forms.” The Minneapolis-based craft pop/alternative rock quartet, led by songwriter Dan Hylton, draw influences from 80s pop to 90s rock, their sound equally familiar and comforting as it is fresh and exciting. The genre-bending EP features seven tracks that feel organic, eclectic, and elegantly crafted, with personal and introspective writing that creates an intimate connection with the listener.
The EP opens with “Artists That Hate Me,” a warm, emotive track. Reflective riffs, earthy bass lines, and soft drums set a brooding yet introspective tone. Passionate vocals and richer instrumental layers, inject the sound with affecting emotionality. The clarity and calmness in the soundscape, lent by instrumental subtlety and vocal nuance, reflects the band’s skilled artistry.
“Play's the Thing” leans into a brighter and dreamy atmosphere. The lively rhythm lightens the music, while laid back vocals illuminate the music. The radiant guitars, shuffling beats, lush vocal harmonies create an evocative soundscape that begs you to get lost in its soothing currents.
“Fall Essay” introduces an upbeat and groovy rhythm with booming bass lines and catchy guitar riffs. The chorus soars with energy and emotion, seamlessly shifting from more calmer, contemplative moments. This exciting ebb and flow lends a dynamism to the sound that keeps you hooked to the music.
“Let It Go” is rooted in sublime storytelling, the sound taking a soft and gauzy direction to let the emotions simmer and permeate. Gentle, layered percussion pair perfectly with winding, luminous guitars. The singer slips into a tender vocal delivery, letting the melody and lyrics gently wrap around you.
“Easy Go” comes with a spike in passion and energy. The rhythms are more dynamic and the melodies more charged, capturing the lyrical temperament. The glowing guitars, melodic vocals and stunning harmonies create a moving listening experience.
“With Love, Always” is seeped in soft melancholy and slow rumination. The swaying drums, wistful guitars, and expressive vocal melodies bring an emotional depth and vulnerability that instantly resonates with the soul. The song's understated arrangement is a thing of beauty.
Ending with “Dreamsong” the EP sees an energetic, bright finale. Passion-soaked vocals, soaring vocals, undulating synths, groovy bass, and galloping drum rhythms seamlessly converge, presenting a stirring, uplifting soundscape.
“Wave Forms” establishes clearly and confidently, the artistic breadth of Southern Resident Killer Whales and highlights their intuitive, remarkable ability to construct soundscapes that revel in their authenticity, subtlety, and resonance. Listen to “Wave Forms” EP here!
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