WØLZT – Tapes From The Maze (2024)
With Tapes From The Maze, French producer and visionary artist WØLZT introduces a new genre he dubs “hypnagogic rock”, a seamless blend of ambient, post-rock, and cinematic soundscapes that straddles the line between dreams and waking life. The three-track EP offers a nearly 40-minute journey through deeply immersive compositions that demand patience and curiosity from the listener.
The EP opens with ‘Noise’, a haunting piece that sets the stage with minimalist, eerie synth pads and sparse melodies that seem to echo from a distant world. WØLZT’s approach is notably restrained here; rather than overwhelming listeners with volume, he pulls them in through quiet intensity. The song builds tension as it progresses, with subtle arpeggios and a syncopated bassline that feels like a heartbeat guiding listeners deeper into the labyrinth. This track’s journey is one of shifting shadows and moments of discovery, a dark invitation into the unique sonic universe WØLZT has crafted.
‘Driving Out’ takes a cinematic turn, amplifying the EP’s sense of mystery and suspense. Here, WØLZT introduces richer textures with retro, dystopian synths and atmospheric pads that evoke the cinematic thrillers of the ’80s. The layered textures and building bassline carry a sense of brooding anticipation, as though the listener is on the brink of an otherworldly discovery. The way the track merges ambient and electronic elements adds depth, making it one of the EP’s most memorable pieces.
The final track ‘Signal’, shifts into an even grander scope, moving from the claustrophobic tension of ‘Driving Out’ into a vast, interstellar soundscape. Inspired by cosmic journeys and sci-fi epics, WØLZT combines pulsing synths with an expansive reverb that makes the music feel like it’s stretching into infinity. The sound becomes both meditative and transcendent, leaving listeners in a reflective space as the EP comes to a close.
One of the defining qualities of Tapes From The Maze is WØLZT’s exceptional sound design which elevates each track beyond mere music and into the realm of experience. Every note, every silence, is carefully constructed to evoke specific moods, as though the EP is narrating a story that is felt as much as it is heard. WØLZT’s attention to detail ensures that each track feels unique yet interconnected, like chapters in a surreal novel.
In Tapes From The Maze WØLZT redefines what instrumental music can b, taking listeners on a journey that feels as psychological as it is auditory. With a fresh genre like “hypnagogic rock,” he demonstrates that there’s still room for innovation in ambient and post-rock music. This EP is an invitation to explore the maze of one’s own mind, a meditative yet thrilling experience that rewards patience and introspection.
Find out more about WØLZT on his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
Listen to more avant-garde music on The Other Side Reviews Avant Garde playlist:
