Up-and-coming South Korean indie rock band Wave to Earth dropped their new album, “play with earth! 0.03,” on Sept. 6. The album is composed of seven songs, including a spacey remaster of their previous hit, “pueblo.” Paying homage to bygone eras and romantic relationships, the album serves as a poignant reminder of impermanence.
“play with earth!”
The titular track of this album lives up to Wave to Earth’s trademark of dreamy, soft rock sounds while simultaneously embracing musical experimentation. Set adrift by the gradual passage of time, its lyrics embody the true meaning of going with the flow by “playing with the Earth, you know / In this endless glow.” Vocalist and guitarist Daniel Kim further amplifies this message through a frenetic electric guitar solo that evokes a spirit of carefreeness and vigor, reflected in the buildup to “But no one cares about us / So, We just dance, we just dance.”
“pueblo (remastered 2024)”
For a song rife with angst, this number is heavy on drum beats and surf rock-esque synths created by drummer Dong Kyu Shin and bassist John Cha that elevate Kim’s reedy but impassioned voice. The verses allude to the singer’s feelings of being helpless and trapped, as he wanders aimlessly through the ruins of a place he used to call home. Though it begins with a vow to start afresh and “burn all my places / throw away all my memories here,” the song winds up with a much more somber rehash of its opening verse, hinting at the singer’s inability to free himself from the town’s clutches. Although similar to the previous version thematically, this remaster adds some subtle flair and crispness to the mix.
“annie.”
This upbeat, jazz-infused track provides insight into the success of Wave to Earth’s musical journey. In a world of people who crave public validation, Wave to Earth deviates from the norm. Underscored through the lyric “No, I wouldn’t be ashamed / ‘Cause I already have / Everything for me,” the band proves that they don’t need to join the community of artists that chase fame and social status. This moral is emphasized further through the band’s first inclusion of profanity in a song.
“holyland”
Wave to Earth’s third album concludes with the sentimental ballad, “holyland.” In this melancholic song, Kim offers a glimpse into his vulnerable mind as he reminisces over memories with an ex-lover. The lines, “A daydream in the sun / I’m back inside your peace,” highlight his yearning to experience her comfort again. Backed by a jazzy interlude, Kim continues to hold onto his faded love through the lyrics “Watch your breeze take over me / Just like we used to be / Let me float in your arms.” The song “holyland” is a successful attempt to recreate this bliss, creating a place where they can let go of all worries as their love takes over. By singing about his longing to return to their past, Kim provides himself with a sense of peace and escape, even if only for a moment.
