Soul Wun’s debut Blue Light will blow your mind.
Hailing from Australia, this is the moniker of producer and DJ Blake Carthew who we first featured back in 2021. Shifting away from his previous club-oriented sound, it feels like he’s now embracing a more storytelling approach, with emotional, immersive soundscapes carrying his message. What I instantly picked up while listening to the record, was the feeling of continuation throughout the whole journey. A feeling I get while listening to Moby’s classic Play (1999).
The album is on our best 100 2024 albums list too.
Find Blue Light on Spotify / Apple Music / Deezer / TIDAL / Amazon Music
The track that got my undivided attention first was “She Who Sees All”. With a vocal sample that delivers a heartfelt message (“I love you so much, deep in my soul”), Blake leaves no doubt about who this track is dedicated to. I love the positive dancefloor energy mixed with a classic house sound.
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Blue Light is heavily built on powerful percussive elements that stir emotion and create a palpable atmosphere. At the same time, Soul Wun isn’t afraid to open up and be vulnerable, despite making an instrumental album. The opener “Everything All At Once” is a sentimental track centered on family, healing, and moments of stagnation. Featuring voice recordings of his grandmother and great-great-aunt alongside warm brass tones courtesy of Maurice Sax, this song sets a deeply personal tone for the album.
I rarely do a track-by-track album reviews, but there’s no way I would miss spotlighting one of the singles preceding the release of Blue Light. Inspired by the passion and cinematic beauty of Luca Guadagnino’s film of the same name (“Call Me By Your Name”), the song tells the story of the tug-of-war nature of relationships. With a beautiful duality of classical piano and punchy breakbeat, it won’t take long before you get sucked in by the emotionally charged vocal sample.
I rarely find debut albums in the electronic space that manage to excel in telling a story in a cohesive way, while keeping my attention engaged throughout the whole record. Blue Light is a sonic treat for anyone, regardless of their genre preferences.f
Ranging from UK Garage, jungle, breakbeats, house, and even jazz/funk elements, Blake has managed to weave together a unique blend of energies and emotions that will breathe hope in anyone who is open to listening.
Before we part ways and I wrap this write-up, I wanted to spotlight one more track that resonated deeply with me. The album’s title track “Blue Light” is one of the most emotive songs I’ve heard in a while. The blend of UK Garage energy, London vibes, and expansive, cosmic synths creates a truly transcendental experience.
Couldn’t be more excited about this young man’s future.
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