Album Review: ‘The Lost Boys’ by Wind Walkers
‘The Lost Boys’ Album Art. Courtesy of Wind Walkers.
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This article was originally published March 29, 2019.
Artist: Wind Walkers
Genre: Metal, Metalcore, Progressive Hardcore
Reviewed Music: 'The Lost Boys' (Album, 2018)
Release Date: June 21, 2018
Track list: (12 Tracks, 40 minutes)
"Kid Can't Crow"
"Mudblood"
"Blow Me To Bermuda"
"Who Rules? Hyrule!"
"New England Palm Trees"
"Reservations for Dorsia"
"This Just-in"
"Makers Mark"
"Atlas”
"Pale Rider"
"The End of My Life Was the Beginning of Yours"
"Monstro"
Review of 'The Lost Boys' by Nic Beardsley of Dear Untitled:
'The Lost Boys', the debut, full length album by Wind Walkers, exceeded critic expectations in 2018, quickly rising to set a very high standard among many bands over the past year. Matter of fact, this release was a genre-spanning achievement, incorporating everything from traces of their lighter acoustic EP roots, to boppy 'pop-punk' vibes, to some heavy hitting metal tracks, merely speaking to the talents of this remarkable band out of Worcester, Massachusetts.
" 'The Lost Boys' was the result of a 5 year period of writing and growing and changing. We always express current emotions because even though some specific elements are dated, most of it is relevant to our lives in some way still. We might not be feeling the same way about the same things as when we wrote those songs but the spirit of why they were written is something we feel and still embody...." - Wind Walkers
A soft piano opens and stormy sound affects open this album, accompanied by haunting cleans and an undercurrent of harsh vocals - it feels almost too atmospheric to be classified as metalcore, or is it? The ease at which the Wind Walker's front-man, Corey Prokowiew, drives the clean vocals through each track is inspiring - a primary staple and highlight of the band's poise and essence. Surging ahead into further vocal contrasts and features, the designed balance between well placed instrumentals, vocals, and catchy beats is absolutely perfection, that is, if there is such a thing for an album with such variety.
As we journey to unpack the collection, not only is the musical approach superb, but the execution and lyrical depth complements every piece, fitting like a glove. One can sit down and begin this album to listen to a few tracks, but find themselves at the end before they realize what happened. Consider this album a fine wine, or rather a strong bourbon - a smooth taste with a strong kick, as it sonically flows into your ear canals. Almost any music lover can jump right in due to the tactfully placed gang-vocals in "Who Rules? Hyrule!" which roll right on into the upbeat track "New England Palm Trees" which S L A P S. (If this isn't your favorite track, you're wrong!)
What starts with the feeling of a typical metalcore album - heavy riffs, lighter cleans, and meshed vocal play, turns a darker shade when faced with the reality of the lyrical content - the struggle of finding your own way and the ever increasing challenges of mental anguish. Yes, even these gifted creatives can't escape the trials in life - always sad boiis at heart.
Lyrics such as this - to highlight a few:
"You need to have the will to swim and find your way" - "Mudblood"
"....Made a wish with my ashes without care where they land" - "Blow Me To Bermuda"
"You never got to say goodbye and it haunts you inside
Drinking through the day to sleep through the night....Substance abuse
Loosen the noose..." - "Maker's Mark""If i cant be honest with myself I cant be honest with you." - "Reservations for Dorsia"
By track three, "Blow Me To Bermuda", the overall aura feels as though all hope is lost and nothing but abandonment awaits on the other side. The finesse of this visual portrayal continues to speak to the listener directly and carry them on this roller coaster of a journey. Cruising from a heavy frenzy to angelic cleans to die for, there is something for everyone on this latest record by Wind Walkers and with the promise of new music coming in 2019, we sure hope that ease of listening continues.
If I had to pick 3 - "The End of My Life Was the Beginning Of Yours" / "Pale Rider" / "New England Palm Trees" would top my list, followed not far behind by "Monstro" as a strong bubble contender. For anyone interested, this selection not only covers the variety this specific album showcases, but also represents the top tier sound which Wind Walkers is capable of across their portfolio.
Oh, and did we mention they have some incredible covers of hit songs?
A saga of struggle, molded into a powerful and fluid sound that breathes life into the eardrums, the 2018 release, "The Lost Boys", is a banger from front to back. Long story short - if you're looking for an all encompassing, lyrically stimulating, upbeat refresher, don't look far because Wind Walkers has everything you need. - NB
Previous Coverage:
Artist Interview - Wind Walkers - learn about the band's formation, thoughts on 'The Lost Boys', current hobbies, and more!