Emerging from Milan, artist DALE delivers a poignant, atmospheric fifth single, ‘Waves’, which cements his place in the modern pop landscape. DALE’s mastery in his signature sound shines through by keeping it true to his way of blending contemporary sensibilities with a warm reverence for 80s sonic aesthetics and the result is a track that is at the same time nostalgically warm and weirdly relevant to most [every one of] us coming to crossroads in life.
From the opening note, ‘Waves’ immerses you into its world of emotion. A standout feature is also the production, a collaboration with a talented Milan based producer. Rich, atmospheric and full of lush shimmering synths which call to mind the best of 80s dream pop and new wave, the song’s setting is just as introspective as what its lyrics are about. Added together, the instrumentation is very carefully layered, giving the song’s titled metaphor a sense of depth and movement.
There is weight to his vocal delivery, indecision and the ache of finding yourself in between desire and fear. When it comes to the lyrics, DALE himself wrote them which talks about being in this limbo of emotion, wanting to move forward, knowing there are things that can be lost and they all know that. A meditation on the moment before the leap, it’s a real emotional resonance, made with genuine emotion.
Inspired firmly in 80s fashion – as in the atmospheric synths, driving basslines and the underlying melancholy grandeur – “Waves” manages to do all that without slipping into pastiche. All of these influences are synthesized by DALE into a very much his own sound: modern pop with a wistful, retro heart.
While catchy, there’s a lot more to it than just a song; it’s a gripping journey in to the mind of a person struggling with a problem all humans will face and all swaddled in tight, complex production that stays with you long after the last note. “Waves” shows DALE he can make pop music that sounds great and has real emotional heft and it’s a big stride for his budding career, one that has folks eager for the whole album to arrive.
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