Luminous Wavez – Ashes of the Artist (2022)
Influenced by the likes of Chris Cornell, Johnny Cash, Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen, Luminous Wavezs blend elements of indie-rock, post-punk and alternative rock in their music. Borne during “the Covid years”, this collaborative project between Mike Dobbins and Leaone can be considered a relatively new band, but they are already turning heads across the globe. Featured on notable blogs like Sinusoidal Music, Edgar Allan Poets, Honk Magazine and various playlists, their enthusiastic sound is reaching many listeners’ ears. The latest release from Luminous Wavez is their EP Ashes of the Artist.
Following their debut EP Raindrop Castle (released in 2021), Ashes of the Artist is an eclectic four-track piece of art. From the opening track ‘Revenge Song Spiritual’ to the closing ‘Have No Fear’, Luminous Wavez traverse numerous styles, sounds and arrangements. This continuous change in sound illustrates the duo’s innovativeness, as well as their versatility as musicians. So, what is it like listening to Ashes of the Artist? For me, it’s an exceptional first-class 15 minutes (give or take) parcel of music.
Beginning with the soft and soothing, but slightly discomforting, song ‘Revenge Song Spiritual’, Leaone’s rich vocals take a Nick Cave timbre with the obscure execution. Intimate, intense and slightly creepy, this opening song can send your soul soaring while drying your mouth out with its message of vengeance. From the sinister tones of ‘Revenge Song Spiritual’, Luminous Wavez weave a more upbeat, lighter thread through the melody in ‘Ex Regrets’. The lads explain that the lighter beat allows for a more enjoyable feeling, but the poignant message is retained in the reflective lyricism.
While the concept of lost relationships and angst is within the first two tracks, ‘Let The Pain Be Your Light’ adopts a new revelation on trauma – “…it destroys commonly held assumptions of pain, seeing it not as something to run away from but embraced in order to grow and escape the darkness.” (quote from Luminous Wavez). Finally, the band ends Ashes in the Artist with ‘Have No Fear’. Infusing strings into the rock-inspired arrangement, ‘Have No Fear’ is potentially one of the most obscure on the EP. Leaone’s gruff vocals cover the toe-tapping melody but retain some haunting in the gruff tones.
What I really enjoy about Ashes of the Artist is how the lads move from vengeful and angry to hopeful empowerment. This is my introduction to Luminous Wavez and I cannot wait for more from the dynamic duo.
To engage with Luminous Wavez follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Spotify.
