Wavewulf is an esteemed electronic artist based in New York, whose real name is Nicholas Long. He has been into electronic music since he realized he could synthesize anything at a young age. Raised by his father, an audiophile with a record collection that spanned from Pink Floyd to The Beatles, Long’s audio curiosity was piqued early in life. He conjured up impromptu bands with kids in the neighborhood, banging away on toy keyboards and pot-and-pan drums.
Wavewulf technically started in 2017, after Long inherited some money following his mother’s death. He invested in a new arsenal of vintage analog equipment: synths, drum machines, and studio gear. The debut album, Oscillation, came out in 2019, the product of Long’s spare room, showcasing his meticulously layered synthpop arrangements. His upcoming fifth album “Unbreakable Soul” reunites Long with Donato along with the addition of guitarist Chase Walker and vocalists Spark, LiAura, Monica Young, Veronika Jokel, and Dasha Larks.
Wavewulf’s new single, “In Every Blue,” focuses on being soothing and uplifting through poetic lyrics and a multi-layered electronic soundscape. Right from the very first seconds of the song, it’s calming with a gentle, repeating melody on the synthesizer, accompanied by crisp, muted drums with subtle influences holding down the track.
This sparse opening sets up the mesmerizing vocals of Nala Spark to a T. Her melodious vocals just swim in the ethereal beat, passing across an inspiring message of friendship and solidarity. Tender delivery and a voice that bleeds with the deepest emotional relevance suck the listener in.
After this uncluttered introduction, the track slowly introduces further layers of synth textures and melodic motifs, further fleshing out the song. Sweeping pads reminiscent of shoegaze or synth-pop create a dreamy atmosphere. As the song goes on, Wavewulf indulges his audience with a few interludes focused on synths and percussion. The drums drop out to focus on a cycling synth riff that can only evoke sci-fi soundtracks or synth-wave greats. Its looping upswing in pitch lifts emotion before the drums come back in, now enriched with shimmering hi-hats and a warm low-end kick.
Wavewulf’s classic pop-biased electronic sound is here, no doubt about it, reinforced with a good deal of vintage analog synthesizers and drum machines. But he also marries this with a much more melodic and cinematic composing style than a great deal of his earlier work. Shades of the dream pop and synth-wave genres are stylishly twisted throughout to create a new sound.
I found “In Every Blue” to be outstanding from Wavewulf. The lyrics and the rhythmic composition have stuck with me after multiple listens. There is almost a calming effect to be found soaking in this ethereal soundscape. I can put this song on, even on days when maybe I’m really stressed or even down, and instantly feel my mood lifted by its very encouraging message.
I do not doubt that fans will be entranced by “In Every Blue” from beginning to end. I highly recommend streaming this track online or having it in your regular playlist rotation.