Wilhelm, the solo project of the enigmatic Murnau and lead singer and guitarist of The House Flies, has quietly made its mark in the lo-fi folk world. Following the release of his 2023 single "The Creek," Wilhelm's third full-length album, Wake Me in the Sunrise, is an eagerly awaited release that promises to immerse the listener in a world of personal memory, emotions, and reflection.
Written and recorded with care, the nine tracks seek to serve as a sonic diary, recorded entirely on a 4-track Tascam digital multitrack. This minimalism gives the album a lo-fi warmth that is oddly reminiscent of the songs: Wake Me in the Sunrise is all about stripping away the fleshy embellishments that peppered Wilhelm's previous releases and returning to the starting essentials-acoustic guitar, throaty vocals, and lingering melodies.
The album opens with the atmospheric "Midnight Caller on the Moon," immediately setting up expectations for things to come. With its hypnotic melody, the listener is dragged into an analysis of the nocturne. This song feels like the tires on a long drive under a quiet star-inscribed sky; it is every bit fragile, intimate, and otherworldly.
"Obituary Page" slows the pace down, a samurai of a slow meditation, with such deliberate slow chord progressions that there is some room for the listener to breathe and contemplate. The guitar within sounds somewhat restrained, bordering on deep emotionality within each strum, deeply resonant and sighing back in shy resignation.
“Upon the Thinnest Lips” takes another step towards the experimental realms of the album. Layer upon layer of vocal harmonies entwine throughout the track to create a dreamlike, shimmering ambiance. The acoustic guitar is thick with reverb, adding a weightless, floating feel to the song. “All Things I Need to Say” puts a light-hearted moment into the album. The melodies are more tenacious, with a refreshing coating of pop sensibility that still ties into another genre.
“One to Keep You Warm” breathes as one of the finest songs while still being a tantalizingly sleepy sonic hug. With the nod of an acoustic guitar caught distinctly, the strum creates an almost cordial feeling. Some subtle percussion touches are entwined with the bone simplicity of the song without overwhelming it. “Hopeless Drifting Afternoon” might be the most representative lo-fi track on the album. It is purposely left untouched; to bring out this lost, aimless feeling off of the song. The track wanders in the best way possible, encapsulating the feeling of languishing in thought. It's a whispered gem, bringing great depth to the overarching narrative of the album.
Rounding out the album is "Hold Your Head Now, Baby," a song synonymous with the whole emotional circuit of Wake Me in the Sunrise. Sparse yet powerful, the song's exposition falls to Wilhelm's voice and guitar. The last harmonics fade out gradually, leaving the listener in deep contemplation.
With “Wake Me in the Sunrise,” Wilhelm has put together an album that feels ageless in simplicity and immeasurable in emotional weight. Employing naked honesty, he welcomes the listener into a very personal space, where every syllable and each note feels intentional.
Listening to "Wake Me in the Sunrise" was like finding some treasure unearthed and an indescribable one that dealt with my soul. I think that each song is very beautiful in itself, with melodies much like after the music dies. If you're a person who appreciates music for the soul, please start streaming that album online today and delight in its beauty.