Wave Monthly | August 2024

August was of course synonymous with ‘Night Drive’ for the wave scene. skeler’s new 156 minute opus already sits on more than one million views on YouTube and for the joy of legions of fans and listeners, it has provided us with a new overdose of unreleased remixes (42) and originals (18), cooked strictly by the Australian producer. In case you still have to listen to it, I’m happy to confirm that the leaks were true and we actually got the Halo Combat Evolved main menu theme remix. Although it’s possible to pinpoint specific highlights, we all know the real ‘Night Drive’ experience calls for an uncut listen. You have to ride the flow and get lost in the smoky vision it evokes.

The rest of the wide wave world was far from being quiet though. After racking up more than two dozen singles in 2024 (between solo releases and collaborations), MRJay inexplicably found time to release a full EP. The five-track project, titled Reverie, constitutes a mini encyclopedia that allows us to indulge in the Austrian producer’s sound and taste it at its fullest. It’s a complete package that oscillates between the energetic peaks of ‘Vibrant’ to the baritone atmospheres of ‘Forgotten Age’, passes through the blue-sky vibes of  ‘Another Life’ and ‘Final Dance/Finality’ and closes with the break-driven ‘Break Away’, my favourite track off the EP. Classic wave sound but with an authentic touch.

Barnacle boi stepped into the fray too, delivering a witch-house tune worthy of an action movie soundtrack. Juche published his eighteenth song of the year. Heimanu, Yama, Sibewest, Amenity decided to release chimerical down-tempo ballads while KENOK, Teneki, TEARZ, and Bafu are among those who provided us with brand new dancefloor heaters. This month’s lineup is completed by Affectwave, koi sum, Helpless, MIRAJ, GRVI, Sylphere, Senkya, and many more wave producers you should keep an eye on.

Last but not least, one last reminder that Symmetry Music & Arts Festival is happening next week and you should secure your ticket here.