Review
Wisp's debut EP 'Pandora' is a captivating journey through the ethereal realms of shoegaze. Released on April 5, 2024, via Music Soup and Interscope Records, this six-track collection clocks in at just under 24 minutes, yet manages to leave a lasting impression. The EP's opener and title track 'Pandora' sets the stage with its enveloping guitars and haunting vocals, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws listeners into Wisp's dreamlike sonic landscape.
Throughout 'Pandora', Wisp demonstrates a keen ability to craft melodies that tug at the heartstrings while still maintaining an air of mystery. Tracks like 'Your Face' and 'See You Soon' showcase the artist's reverence for classic shoegaze influences, while still carving out a unique sound. The production, helmed by a team including grayskies and Elliott Kozel, adds layers of complexity to the tracks, rewarding attentive listeners with new discoveries on each spin.
One of the EP's standout moments comes in the form of 'Enough for You', a single that perfectly balances introspective lyricism with dynamic instrumental breaks. The closing track, 'Mimi', produced by Photographic Memory, serves as a powerful finale with its gradual build-up and emotive delivery. While 'Pandora' may be brief, it packs an emotional wallop that hints at Wisp's potential to make waves in the shoegaze scene and beyond. - Ellis