Wilhelm, the solo project of the mastermind behind Murnau and The House Flies, is set to drop his highly anticipated third album, “Wake Me in the Sunrise,” on January 7, 2025. Following the success of his 2023 single “The Creek,” this 9-piece album promises to be a raw and real study of sound, emotion, and memory.
From the get-go, “Midnight Caller on the Moon” sets the tone with Wilhelm’s signature vocals that’ll give you goosebumps. Wilhelm’s fragile yet melodic vocal stylings, paired with the ethereal sounds of a reed organ, create an atmosphere that feels like you’re cruising down an empty highway at 2 AM. The use of a 4-track Tascam digital multitracker and built-in condenser mics gives that gritty, lo-fi vibe that makes you feel like you’re right there in the room with him. It’s personal. Like he’s spilling his guts just for you.
Wilhelm’s latest album “Wake Me in the Sunrise” is a total 180° from his previous work “Sugarcane.” Gone are the complex arrangements – this time, he’s stripped it all back to the basics. We’re talking just acoustic guitar, vocals, and a few cool extras here and there. It’s like Wilhelm decided to let his songwriting do the heavy lifting, and man, does it pay off!
The album’s nine tracks feel like flipping through a scrapbook of emotions and memories. Wilhelm’s got this knack for hitting you right in the feels with simple but super-effective lyrics. It’s the kind of album that’ll have you lost in thought, maybe even spilling some of your own secrets to the wind.
As the album ends, “Hold Your Head Now, Baby” wraps things up in style. This beautiful track serves as a poignant closer, capping off the album with subtle harmonies echoing in your head long after the song’s over. It’s a fitting end to an album that feels both deeply personal and totally relatable.
Wilhelm’s lyrics are like a peek into his diary, but don’t worry – it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s this warmth to his songs that makes you feel like you’re hanging out with an old friend, swapping stories about the good old days and those moments when life gets a bit messy. It’s the kind of album that’ll have you nodding along, thinking, “Yep, I’ve been there.”
The stripped-down sound is where it’s at. Wilhelm’s acoustic guitar is the star of the show, but he throws in some other cool stuff like a reed organ that adds just the right amount of flavour. It’s impressive how he manages to make it sound like a full band when it’s mostly just him doing his thing in the studio. Each track feels like it belongs, creating this awesome, cohesive vibe throughout the album. It’s like Wilhelm and his imaginary band buddies got together and just jammed out these tunes in one smooth session.
Wilhelm’s decision to drop “Wake Me in the Sunrise” on vinyl through Bandcamp is pretty rad. In a world where everyone’s streaming tunes, this dude’s sticking to the old-school format, and it totally vibes with the album’s throwback feel. It’s like he’s saying, “Hey, let’s get physical with this music.” You can actually hold the tunes in your hands – how cool is that?
As Wilhelm gears up to unleash this new musical beast, it’s obvious that “Wake Me in the Sunrise” isn’t just another album to add to your playlist. No, this is Wilhelm pouring his heart out through his tunes. He’s kept that lo-fi sound we all desire, and man, he’s cooked up some songs that’ll hit you right in the feels. It’s the kind of album that’ll have you thinking about your own life while you’re nodding along to the beats.
In a world that often feels chaotic, “Wake Me in the Sunrise” offers a moment of solace and introspection. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest moments can hold the most profound meaning. Mark your calendars for January 7, 2025, because this is one album you won’t want to miss. Whether you’ve been jamming to Wilhelm since day one or you’re just stumbling onto his tunes now, this album’s gonna hook you. Rock on!