Dive into the ethereal world of Wax Machine with their latest album, The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On, a sonic journey that transcends genres and captivates listeners with its lush soundscapes and introspective themes. This Brighton-based cosmic force, led by the Brazilian-born Lau Ro, invites you to experience a unique blend of psych-toned folk, ambient textures, and world-folk rhythms, all interwoven with a profound exploration of nature, self-discovery, and the captivating dance in the sky above us.
Wax Machine, a project born from Lau Ro’s deep dive into psychedelics and global music traditions, has consistently pushed boundaries since their emergence in 2018. With The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On, they venture further into their distinctive sound, drawing inspiration from artists like Alabaster Deplume and Don Cherry, embracing improvisation, and channeling a spirit of open-minded creativity. This album, released under Batov Records, is not just a collection of songs; it’s an immersive experience, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its intricate layers and evocative melodies.
The album’s genesis is deeply rooted in Lau Ro’s personal journey and reconnection with their Brazilian heritage and nature. A significant trip to Brazil after 20 years, coupled with explorations of waterfalls in the Pyrenees and Alps, profoundly influenced the album’s themes. Lau Ro describes waterfalls as a “healing thing to experience,” emphasizing the “graceful surrender of the water as it falls,” and this sentiment of flow and surrender permeates the entire album. The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On becomes a metaphor for life’s fluidity, echoing the Taoist principle of flow and drawing parallels with water as a guiding teacher.
Musically, The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On is a tapestry of diverse influences. While rooted in psych-folk, the album expands into ambient, classical, and world-folk territories. Reviews highlight the album’s “gauzy tapestry,” praising its “love, care and freedom” (Monolith Cocktail). Tracks like “River” are described as “an ethereal journey” (Folk Radio), showcasing the album’s ability to transport listeners to different sonic landscapes. The incorporation of Brazilian rhythms, jazz undertones, and improvisational elements creates a rich and unpredictable listening experience, far from conventional genre constraints.
Lyrically, the album delves into themes of reconnection with nature and oneself. The opening track, “Wild,” with its gentle lyrics “She grows wild / Stretching out to touch the sky,” encapsulates this theme of natural growth and reaching for the expansive sky. “Glimmers,” described as a “perfect summer single” by Raven Sings the Blues, captures the “exuberant ecstasy at being by the sea,” while “River” embodies “awe and melancholy at the delicate ephemerality and complexity of life.” These lyrical explorations, combined with the album’s sonic textures, create an emotionally resonant experience, inviting introspection and a deeper connection with the world around us.
Critical reception for The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On has been overwhelmingly positive. UK Vibe awarded the album a 5/5 star rating, noting that “Wax Machine seems to have found its own voice; an idiosyncratic, deeply personal work full of beauty and grace.” Backseat Mafia praised the album’s improvisational nature and Don Cherry-esque spirit, stating it “plunge[s] further into their whirlpool of influences without a particular destination in sight.” These accolades underscore the album’s artistic merit and its ability to resonate with both critics and listeners alike.
The Sky Unfurls, The Dance Goes On is more than just an album; it’s an invitation to experience a sonic dance in the sky, a journey of self-discovery, and a celebration of nature’s beauty. Wax Machine, through Lau Ro’s vision and the collaborative talents of Ozzy Moysey, Adam Campbell, Isobel Jones, and Toma Sapir, have crafted a truly exceptional and immersive musical experience. Whether you are a fan of psych-folk, ambient music, or simply seeking a profound and beautiful sonic journey, this album is a must-listen. Discover the unfolding sky and join the dance.
