Ohio-based alt-rock duo Wake Magnolia was propelled into the spotlight when their debut studio album, “Shadow Cast Light” won them best rock band at the 2022 Cleveland Music Awards.
Since then, they had us worried for a while with no new releases, but their latest single “A Night in Ventura” gives you hope for what they’ve been cooking for the past few years. With Nick Galbincea on guitar and vocals, and Adam Miller on drums, this track defies the limitations of their two-person lineup to create an incredible sonic experience.
With its heavy guitars and liberal use of the distortion pedal, A Night in Ventura clearly takes inspiration from 90s grunge music. However, the driving energy of the guitar chords and the relentless beat of the drums give it a power that elevates this single beyond the standards of the genre.
But it’s not just the instrumentation on this track that’s heavy. Galbincea’s vocals, along with the raw songwriting, create a timeless story of heartbreak that yearns for those Ventura nights. You have anger, acceptance, and vulnerability all thrown in the mix to create an emotional connection that stays with you long after the track is over.
But the real kicker here is the outro, because for the first two minutes, it seems as if Wake Magnolia has settled into a structure that’ll last for the entirety of the track.
But just as it looks like they’re about to start another verse, Miller drives up the tempo while the guitars get amped to the max to deliver a throbbing instrumental finale.
This dynamism is supported perfectly by the production that ensures that the guitar distortion never goes overboard. It maintains the refinement of a professional release without compromising on the raw vocal sound. This speaks both to the band’s technical abilities and their understanding of how to highlight them in the studio.
A Night in Ventura represents Wake Magnolia’s growth over the last couple of years, and successfully bridges the gap between classic grunge influences and contemporary alternative rock. Hopefully there’s a new album in the works, because this single has left us craving for more!
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