Wisp Conjures a Storm of Unrequited Emotions in "See you soon"
Photo: Nick Vernet
19-year-old shoegaze artist Wisp solidifies her wistful brand of all-encompassing noise in her latest single, "See you soon." The track builds on the lush production that made listeners fall in love with the enigmatic artist in the first place, featuring heart-aching lyrics and gentle vocals that feel like the embodiment of a comforting hug amid an all-consuming cry session. It is simply everything and more.
"See you soon" opens with deep, tension-filled bass lines, towering guitar riffs, and precise percussion patterns, reinforcing Wisp's penchant for meticulous maximalism. Over the brewing storm of instrumentals, the rising artist's soft vocals break through the constructed noise like the calming eye of a hurricane, crooning, "I'd trade hours for minutes with you / Never wanting something new / Pull me close / Why'd you leave so soon?" The song's verses gather momentum as the chorus swirls with a myriad of effects and gliding guitar modulation. The hook is an unforgettable and cathartic release of tension, and as the inevitable explosion hits, she proclaims, "Lay here with me, so I can gaze into your tender eyеs / Missing you is missing all/ House so big, my heart so small."
Of the track, Wisp shares," 'See you soon' is about being infatuated with a person and wanting to spend all of your time with them, but the resolve at the end of the song represents knowing that person will not last and the feelings on their side aren't as passionate as yours."
With each new single, Wisp's intuitive understanding of songcraft and arrangement continues to evolve, and, as "See you soon" proves, she's quickly become an expert at delaying the anticipated payoff, simultaneously subverting and delivering on the listener's expectations. Following her breakout single "Your face," which rocketed into view last summer, amassing tens of millions of streams and attracting a cult fanbase eager to parse out Wisp's mysterious social media presence, the breakout artist continues to win the hearts of more and more who take a chance on her unique brand of alluring and innovative shoegaze.
Watch the "See you soon" visualizer below: