Newwav by Various: A Sonic Journey That Hits Different
Man, Newwav is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2015 under Japan’s wavforme label, this electronic gem doesn’t just sit in one lane—it dabbles in dubstep, drum ‘n’ bass, and progressive house like it owns all three genres. And honestly? It kinda does. The whole thing feels like a late-night drive through Tokyo streets—neon lights flashing, heart racing, but also this weird calm underneath it all.
The album kicks off with "3verybody," and wow, what an opener. This track grabs you by the collar and says, “Hey, pay attention.” It's got this pulsing beat that builds into something almost cinematic. You can tell Tomohiko Togashi (who mastered the album) had his hands full making sure every layer popped without losing its soul. Like, there’s this moment halfway through where everything drops out except for this haunting synth line—it’s so simple yet sticks to your brain like gum on a hot day. I kept rewinding just to feel it again.
Then there’s "Calling From Cobalt." Oh man, this one hits deep. It starts slow, almost hesitant, like someone trying to find their footing after a rough patch. But then BAM! The bassline comes in, thick as molasses, and suddenly you’re not sad anymore—you’re moving. There’s this strange tension between melancholy and euphoria here, which makes it unforgettable. Every time I hear it, I picture myself standing alone on a rooftop at sunset, staring at the horizon while life buzzes around me. Weirdly specific? Maybe. But that’s how music should hit ya, right?
Props go to SoU for designing and handling the artwork because the visuals match the vibe perfectly—minimalist but packed with emotion. Zaza’s illustrations add another layer of depth too; they feel like little secrets hidden inside the package. Honestly, even if you didn’t listen to the music, holding the physical copy would still give you something.
What strikes me most about Newwav is how cohesive it feels despite being made by various artists. Each track flows into the next seamlessly, creating this immersive experience that pulls you deeper with every play. By the end, when “Landslip” fades out, you’re left feeling… well, kinda empty, in the best way possible. Like, damn, where do I go from here?
Here’s the kicker though—this isn’t just background noise. It demands your attention. Whether you’re zoning out or dancing like nobody’s watching, Newwav forces you to live in the moment. And honestly? We could all use more moments like that.
Final thought: If aliens ever land and ask us to explain human emotions through sound, we hand them this album. No questions asked.
