Beneath The Surface by Wanaka: Album Review

by Damien Reid January 11, 2023

January 11, 2023

Beneath The Surface by Wanaka: Album Review

Wanaka’s album “Beneath The Surface” is the musical equivalence to ‘everything all at once with refined balance.’ The artist’s ability to instill a sentimental voice combined with lighthearted segments from the guitar and ukulele among other melodies was quite significant. Blending a casual mixture of folk rock, country, and alternative rock, the album is vibrant and immensely diverse!

Opening up with the charming ambiance of “Carousel”, we first get a glimpse of Wanaka’s delicate side through soft ukulele chords and a weighty stringed section to keep it company. The next one on the list was a chilling one. Titled “Another Spoon”, the soft folksy acoustic tale initiates and a bluesy essence is present. Eventually, the biggest unveiling ensues with a hard-as-nails guitar solo that completely alters the folksy ode into a powerful rock segment, and it sounds excellent indeed. Later on in the album, a track with sliding guitar mechanics arrive. It is quite touching to hear, “Born Again” has elements of country and blues built right into it.

Nearing the end of the album we get a taste of Wanaka’s blues rock transition. If you love hard-hitting rock numbers then “Rolling” is right up your alley. It is a gritty tune that just oozes old-school blues, and the invitation to hear the track was a worthwhile one. Within the song’s structure, clean guitar chords provide a steady groove. In addition to that, a voice made of pure gold is present! With that being said, the entire musical concept of “Beneath The Surface” was quite thrilling, and it has been a joy to experience to the fullest extent.