Recommended Tracks: “Sword,” “Save me now,” “All I Need”
Artists You May Like: Zeruel, quannnic, Novulent
Since 2023, shoegaze artist Wisp has dominated our TikTok “for you” pages in ethereal fashion with her debut single “Your Face,” which charted #8 on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs for over three months. As a San Francisco native, Wisp (born Natalie Lu) has drawn her dream-pop expertise from other bands such as Whirr, Cocteau Twins and Slowdive.
Fast forward to 2024, Wisp released her debut EP Pandora; a gift wrapped for a rapidly growing fanbase to indulge in. Now, Wisp enters a new era with her debut album If Not Winter, delivering summer warmth while moving towards a chilling yet familiar sound.
The opening track “Sword” introduces the listener to a mellowed alarm-like melody; complemented by the start of an acoustic guitar. Following, Wisp begins to sing, expressing: “Hang me up in your closet / Paint me underneath / Look through cracks, and I see both of your faces / Inches between both my feet /When is it my turn to not live in fear?” As the song progresses, Wisp questions her emotions about a relationship she’s in — wondering if the other person feels similarly. Regardless of mistakes they’ve made, Wisp is taking responsibility for her actions while witnessing her partner walk away from a vulnerable situation.
The music video showcases Wisp in front of the Latvian Academy of Culture building in Europe. As the winter breeze surrounds her, the cool saturation and undertones capture Wisp in ethereal light. The camera pans back and forth, with Wisp being portrayed as a main protagonist by embracing her knight in shining armor in fear of letting them go. However, repetition starts to follow in questioning her feelings about their dynamic. While doing so, Wisp gracefully accepts their final fate in a last dance; embarking on a new journey of becoming her own protector.
In contrast, “Save me now” brings listeners to a heightened state of accepting a relationship’s ending and reminiscing on how that person made you feel. With immediate thought, the first few lines state: “Give me just one day / With your face beside me / Will you make me feel okay / For running away from here?” Here, Wisp begins to slowly deflect her actions by wanting to see her partner again. Despite the contrasting emotions in “Sword,” Wisp isn’t afraid to vocalize her heartbreak. Wanting to break free, Wisp is stuck in a constant loop that can potentially be her downfall.
If Not Winter comes to a close with “All I Need.” In this 1-minute acoustic track, Wisp softly expresses the desire to get vengeance against her partner, hoping they’re hurting just as much as she is. Knowing this marks the end of Wisp sharing her perspective in their relationship, she mentions how songwriting brings her solace in grieving: “When you’re around / There’s comfort in the sound / I only sing to you, it’s how I see my truth.”
Taking this a step further, the album title If Not Winter stems from Sappho’s collection of poems. Sappho is an ancient Greek poet widely known for her vivid written portrayal of yearning for one’s love. From hundreds of interpretations of Sappho’s works, “Fragment 22” specifically notes “If not winter, no pain”; a simple yet notable quote that holds significant grandeur, especially for Wisp.
Without reservation, Wisp continues to revisit her comfort zone by replaying the potential of what could have been. From showcasing growth in expressing oneself to facing each stage of grief in missing someone, Wisp secretly holds onto faith that they will find each other in every lifetime.
Wisp will begin her North American and European tours starting later this month.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Keep up with Wisp: Instagram // TikTok // Youtube // Website
