B-Side Guys

Waylen Roche is an artist who can seamlessly weave together diverse genres, deeply personal narratives, and profound cultural reflections into a cohesive and captivating work of art. With his debut album “33,” Roche has created a sonic and lyrical odyssey that explores the complexities of the human experience in the digital age.

Spanning 13 tracks and clocking in at just under 46 minutes, “33” is a testament to Roche’s versatility as a songwriter and his unique ability to blend elements of alt-rnb, synth-infused pop, and what he aptly describes as “swamp psych soul.” The result is a sound that is both fresh and familiar, drawing on a rich tapestry of musical influences while still maintaining a distinct and original voice.

At the heart of “33” are the deeply personal and introspective lyrics that Roche has crafted over the past five years as a working artist in NYC and the Hudson Valley. From the haunting opening track “Granite,” which explores the pain of a love lost and the desire for transformation, to the politically charged “Fingertips,” which takes aim at the corruption and greed of those in power, Roche’s words are a powerful and unflinching reflection of the world around him.

But it’s not just the content of Roche’s lyrics that make “33” such a compelling listen – it’s the way he uses language and imagery to create vivid and emotionally resonant narratives. On “Ghostland,” for example, Roche paints a haunting portrait of a troubled artist struggling to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems to value only fame and success. “You could break this open, violent golden,” he sings, his voice drenched in reverb and desperation. “You could be a kind of floating, talking cloud / I would wait in Ghostland, haunting, hoping / You’ll believe in more than motion, spirits in the sound.”

This theme of spiritual and emotional yearning runs throughout the album, with Roche often grappling with the idea of finding one’s place in a world that can feel isolating and overwhelming. On “Buckets,” he uses the metaphor of tears falling from the ceiling and filling the cracks in the floorboards to explore the weight of familial expectations and the pressure to conform to societal norms. “Pull out the cords and let there be magic silence,” he pleads, “Creatures are born to dance and to writhe on this island / She is the life, the water, ecstatic thriving / Let go of all your hunger for fame and violence.”

But even in its darkest and most introspective moments, “33” is never without a sense of hope and resilience. On the soaring “Pines,” Roche uses the imagery of trees climbing towards the light and waves crashing on the mountainside to evoke a sense of perseverance and growth in the face of adversity. “It’s the way that the wind sweeps through the pines,” he sings, his voice rising to a powerful crescendo. “It’s the way that you give rise to new kingdoms.”

Musically, “33” is just as diverse and dynamic as its lyrical content. From the lush, atmospheric soundscapes of “Granite” and “Ghostland” to the driving, synth-heavy beats of “Fingertips” and “Crystalline Giant,” Roche showcases an impressive range of styles and influences. But perhaps the most striking aspect of the album’s production is the way it seamlessly blends organic and electronic elements, creating a sound that feels both timeless and futuristic.

This is particularly evident on tracks like “Tara” and “For Lewis,” which showcase Roche’s ability to craft deeply emotional and intimate moments using minimal instrumentation and subtle electronic flourishes. On the former, Roche’s delicate falsetto floats over a simple acoustic guitar and a pulsing synth bass, creating a sense of yearning and tenderness that is both powerful and understated. On the latter, he pays tribute to a lost friend, his voice cracking with emotion as he sings, “What I would give to hold you in my arms again / And tell you that I’ll carry you in song until we make it back home.”

Ultimately, what makes “33” such a remarkable and essential listen is the way it captures the zeitgeist of our time while still feeling deeply personal and authentic. In a world that is increasingly shaped by technology and digital culture, Roche’s music is a reminder of the enduring power of human connection and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in the face of adversity.

With “33,” Waylen Roche has crafted a debut album that is both a reflection of his own journey as an artist and a powerful statement on the state of the world we live in. It is a work of art that demands to be heard, felt, and experienced on a deep and visceral level, and one that is sure to resonate with listeners for years to come. If this is just the beginning of what Roche has to offer, then we can only imagine the heights he will reach in the future.