West Wickhams – The Conformist
“The Conformist” by West Wickhams, the musical collaboration of Jon Othello and Elle Flores, unveils a psychedelic piece that transports listeners to a dark, atmospheric realm reminiscent of the past. Originally hailing from Tresco on the Isles of Scilly, West Wickhams draw inspiration from the beauty of nature, particularly exploring the intricate relationship between a water drop and a leaf. The track opens with electric bass lines that immediately evoke the moody, dark sound reminiscent of iconic bands like The Cure and The Sound. This establishes a nostalgic yet innovative foundation, setting the tone for a musical journey that travels in time and genres. The synth lines, introduced alongside the bass, playfully dance in a sequence, possibly mirroring the delicate beauty of water drops on a leaf. What distinguishes “The Conformist” is the captivating Yin Yang of sound created by the juxtaposition of robust bass lines and emotionally charged synth melodies. This artistic antithesis becomes the musical identity of the song, providing a unique listening experience that is both nostalgic and fresh. The carefully crafted sonic landscape reflects the band’s dedication to creating a musical universe that mirrors the infinite wonders of nature. At 0:25, the vocals enter the scene, accompanied by dreamy and industrialized sound effects. The infusion of Electronica influences in the production of the vocals adds an extra layer of complexity to the track, enhancing its dark and atmospheric qualities. The vocals become an integral part of the overall soundscape, seamlessly blending with the instrumental elements to create a dreamy sonic puzzle. A standout moment occurs from 2:01 to 2:25, where the bass lines fade out, allowing the synths to take center stage. This transition creates a cinematic and mysterious soundscape, leaving a lasting impression on the listeners. The meticulous arrangement of elements showcases West Wickhams’ attention to detail and their ability to build tension and release it with finesse. In conclusion, “The Conformist” is a sonic masterpiece that skillfully captures the essence of nature’s intricacies while paying homage to the dark and emotive sounds of the past.
