Ace of Wands have released their third studio album, Future Wave.
By Eleanor Banyard
Feature photo by Joel Gale
Collaborating with Canadian rock legend Ian Blurton, this new album consists of thirteen tracks, including already released singles Black River, Uncanny, Edge of the Edge, and Magical Wind.
York Calling’s relationship with the band goes back to 2018 when they hit our radar with their single 10,000 Feet, a year after their conception. More recently, we’ve run the rule over The Cross Sea’s self-titled album, a side project of Ace of Wands member Anna. Returning to the group feels like coming home.
Lee Rose, the songwriter for Ace of Wands, sums up Future Wave as being a “new beginning,” where the “songs dig into the contradictions of an uncertain future, where hope and joy mingle with rage and grief at the loss of control.” The first song on the album, Black River, is a direct example. It has a calming and ethereal vibe with a catchy melody that links to the flow of the track.
Title track Future Wave, begins immediately with a heavy but compelling instrumental, featuring a unique guitar riff and drums. The band relates the start of the song to “creeping into the airwaves like a gathering tide. But when the wave hits, it feels like an invitation – a welcome submersion into Ace of Wands’ unique sonic world.” Vocals begin shortly after the intro and create an immersive narrative with vulnerable and emotive lyrics.
Many of the songs on the album include the same mix of engaging instrumentals and vulnerable lyrics, yet they each have unique individuality and messages. One of the standout tracks is Violator which begins with loud and dramatic rock-esque instrumentals, paired with soft and light yet strong vocals, creating a haunting and powerful track.
The lyrics provide a story about personal struggle, with poetry such as “my pulse still quickens under the weight of the deep abyss, the lies, the fate.” The following track, Edge of the Edge, provides a narrative about yearning in a more positive and uplifting song.
Ace of Wands’ third album, Future Wave, gives us a mix of deep and engaging messages told through strong yet soft vocals blended with catchy melodies and instrumentals. Additionally, check out the two music videos created by Sam Scott which bring “a visual sphere that perfectly reflects the dynamism and uniqueness of the music.”
You can keep up to date with all Ace of Wands are doing by following them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Future Wave is out now, and you can listen to it below.
