The Ocean needs to be tranquil and serene when you’re out yachting so ‘Calm the Ocean down’ is an appropriate title for Wildie’s latest single, which is a pretty good latter day representation of the yacht rock style, 50 years on, at least to my ears.
Formally, they lie “in the space between americana, folk, and classic singer-songwriter” with an abundance of Nordic melancholy jostling with the American tradition.
But the feeling I’m getting might be more of one bobbing up and down on the Pacific waves between Laguna Beach and Santa Catalina Island than cruising around Nashville.
The smooth grooves and catchy hooks are there, along with the characteristic feeling of longing for something that is just out of reach of someone trapped in a rut and without the nouse and wherewithal for how to get out of it.
“So little time and so little motion/better call it off” sets the scene right from the start.
And then there is also a Paul Simon ambiance to it as well, think especially of ‘Graceland’, while the lead guitar here (either Martin or Rasmus Svennson, I’m not sure – both are credited as guitarists) comes wonderfully close to the sweet, cultured yet technical style of Blake Sennett back in his Rilo Kiley days, and a sound I haven’t heard since then.
Just like that band they create melancholy and inspiration in the same song; not easy but something the Swedes excel at.
‘Calm the Ocean Down’ is the final single ahead of Wildie’s forthcoming fifth album – a record that once again sees the band exploring new paths while staying true to its heart.
It’s the sound of a group that has matured together for over a decade, yet still plays with the hunger of their very beginning. The album is expected early in 2026.
For now, just chill.
The band:
Anders Thoren – lead vocals, piano, synthesisers
Rasmus Svensson – guitars, synthesisers, vocals
Marcus Rostedt – drums, percussion
Martin Svensson – guitar, vocals
Per Henry Levi Knagg – bass, vocals.
Find them on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wildiemusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildiemusic/
