Review Summary: Coping.
Sometimes the real struggles in life can be stuck in your mind, whether it's finding purpose, passion, a true direction, or even dealing with lost love. These thoughts can be daunting, especially when there is no true canvas for finding your way. Andy Cizek, Wander’s frontman, manages to pour his heart and soul into this very search throughout the eleven emotionally charged tracks found on their debut self-titled.
Wander is a young, yet extremely talented, band from Frederick, Maryland. Within a genre such as Pop-Punk which seems to be so often plagued by instrumental cliches with repetitive song-structures, guitarists Jack Rentschle and Mack Gallagher, as well as drummer Brett Schleicher really manage to break the mold. Whether it’s from the extremely soothing ambiance found in the introduction to the album “Brave,” to the crunchy guitar/bass tones in “Departure,” every song feels incredibly dynamic. Where this band really begins to shine however, are in their climactic build-ups showcased in “Footprints,” as well as “Not Worthy.” Both begin as calming, almost ballad-esque songs before transitioning into a frenzy of passionately delivered vocals, and pounding instrumentals. These tracks somewhat akin to the likes of genre favorites Balance and Composure. Even songs that tend to hint at a more common Pop-Punk composition manage to do so with an interesting flare. “Counterpart,” also fittingly one of the album's lead singles, presents an accessible sound while still incorporating its fair share of tempo shifts and interesting drum fills. Furthermore, seamlessly transitioning into “Grapevine” that brings in some of the catchiest hooks found within the album. Not to mention, the magnitude of satisfying vocal tone diversity presented from beginning to end. Vacant from this album are meaningless interludes and misplaced tracks. Every song with its own purpose and place.
Those very same passion-driven vocals also assist in bringing the record to life in a captivating way. Cizek delivers every line with a certain conviction and control that is exactly what one would want from a vocalist. Pulling off everything from a gruff versing, to the most cleanly sung aerial notes. All while searching for meaning, and not hesitating to make it known. Track to track, questions varying from "Does my record show that I’m damaged, disfigured with my faults exposed” and "Without a purpose, why do I bother? Scraping the bottom for reasons to exist” to statements like "I’m cutting ties with all my fear and doubt. Carry me with all your favorite sounds because the fire I harbor inside could light the way to a better life.” These lyrics showcasing that when a direction to follow at times seems unclear, the best idea may very well be to just set aside any reservations and breakthrough to ensure a more fulfilling future. Every song and thought acting as a journey leading to the climactic closing track “Coping.” The song begins with a steady drum beat leading into some of the warmest guitar tones featured on the album, that legitimately appear to evoke a sense of hope. “And now I can cope, I can finally cope.” sings Cizek, who seemingly is at last reaching a common ground within his thoughts. All of this quickly erupting into the final closing lines of the album "I’m struck with feelings of warmth and hope. Find love and someday we’ll all cope” lyrics accompanied by soaring interlaced instrumentals and an ambient cooing. Giving one final sendoff to this wonderful album.
It is no question this band knows what they are doing. Especially when they manage to create an album showcasing a certain uniqueness accompanied by a finesse I haven't experienced in a long time. Now that they have a voice (as well as a recent signing with We Are Triumphant) and have made their mark... I have no doubt that they won’t be wandering away anytime soon.
