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At the end of last year I predicted that 2022 will be huge for Australia, not a hard guess considering all the scheduled and teased albums and EPs. Almost half-way through the year, the local scene has proven once again to be absolutely insane, and likely to set the global trends for years to come. With new material from Northlane, Void of Vision, Pridelands, Ocean Grove and Thornhill, to name a few, the bar has already been set impossibly high and yet, out of nowhere, a wild Windwaker appear to silence everyone with their debut LP Love Language that is not only brilliant, but arguably one of the most important modern metal releases this year.
I dived head first into Love Language without big expectations and having only heard few singles in the past, and was pleasently surprised with one of the most enjoyable album playthroughs I've had in a while, followed by non-stop repeats ever since. Aussies do know how to party, and definitely know how to produce modern metal and rock, and Windwaker do just that with unsettling confidence. Straight from the first seconds of opening single 'Beautiful', you know you are in for a total treat; punk-rock energy splashed over a solid metalcore foundation, sprinkled with pulsating electronics, fantastic vocals, anthemic chorus, and just a touch of madness to keep you entertained until the end.
Listening to Love Language is just so much fun, with influences, genre expectations and musical traditions blending in a flurry of youthful energy and freedom. On one side, Windwaker are Australia's answer to recent Bad Omens and Bring Me The Horizon, but fuelled by carefree vibes and invigorating positivity. Among the 12 track in the record you can hear subtle hints of Northlane, Linkin Park, Don Broco, Asking Alexandria and Letlive, while the vocals swtch from straight pop anthems in the style of Years & Years and The Weeknd, to chaotic screams and the filthiest of deathcore growls. And all this done with the swagger of a band that has been doing it for a decade and have nothing to prove.
It is almost impossible to believe that Windwaker in their current line-up have been an active band for just about 5 years. Following two short EPs from 2017 and 2019, several personnel changes up to 2020, a quick signing to Fearless Records in 2021, we reach 2022 and their debut record that could have been somewhat timid and restrained, but is instead driven, bold and relentless, going at full speed into the future. Will King (lead), Jesse Crofts (guitars), Indey Salvestro (bass) and Chris Lalis (drums & phenomenal overall production) appear to be on the top of their game; confident and mature as an established headliner without losing the passion and drive of a rising newcomer, and the creativity and vision of any unburdened independent artist.
If you are not familiar with the crazy world of Windwaker, approach Love Language with an open mind and I'm sure you will love every second of it. The album really has something for everyone, the official promotional singles providing just a limited preview of the whirlwind of genres and styles on display, both musical and visual as their videos are just as entertaining. The record swings back and forth between alternative rock, pop-punk and nu metal tropes, occasionally unleashing pure metalcore fury before seamlessly melting into lighthearted pop floorfillers.
Following a brilliant opening with 'Beautiful' and 'Lucy', 'Nighthawk' gets the party going again with sleek funky beats and relentless energy, just before 'Dopamine Freestyle' explodes in a frenzy of industrial electronics and nu-metal grooves. The following 'Me + You, But Mostly Me' and 'Glow' slow down a bit and are just ridiculously catchy, reminding you just how talented Windwaker are as songwriters and performers, and tricking you into lowering your guard before 'Trenches' melts your face with its uncontainable fury.
As far as the album's highlight is concerned, 'Superstitious Fantasy' is a personal favourite, perfectly combining the pop cheesiness and metal madness that shine throughout, and displaying the stunning range of King's vocals. Small criticism, I would have prefered the ending to keep up with the tempo and atmosphere of the first half (easily done by a bit minor re-order), but this is just me being picky and looking for faults in a record that is almost perfect.
As far as debut records go, you can hardly do a better job than Love Language. Positive, upbeat, diverse, energetic, fun, and above all, extremely well written and produced, Windwaker have given us an album worthy of utmost respect and attention. I can already picture the atmosphere of their live shows and will be surprised if they don't get much bigger very quick. Huge congrats to the boys, already waiting to see where the waves take them next!
Windwaker - Love Language
Country: Australia
Released: 6 May 2022
Label: Fearless Records
Tracklisting:
1. 'Beautiful'
2. 'Lucy'
3. 'Nighthawk'
4. 'Dopamine Freestyle'
5. 'Me + You, But Mostly Me'
6. 'Glow'
7. 'Trenches'
8. 'Superstitious Fantasy'
9. 'Silver Linings'
10.' Love Language'
11. 'Hide & Seek'
12. 'The Rain'
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