From Colmar, France, Skycall might be a band you haven’t heard of yet, but their recent song “Wendy,” which came out on May 5, is a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed. This French psychedelic rock outfit, formed in 2019 by former members of Tax-Free, takes us on a spinning trip through delusion and self-discovery, all wrapped up in a soundscape that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Let’s continue reading and discover more about “Wendy.”
The song explodes right out of the gate with a head-banging drumbeat and a winding guitar melody that immediately evokes the psychedelic rock giants of the late 60s. Fabrice Duval’s vocals are a perfect fit for the genre, delivered with a nonchalant cool that belies the dark undercurrents of the lyrics. The opening lines, “And Wendy plays, Wendy lies / As she floats in the smog of her brain,” set the tone for the entire song, painting a picture of a character lost in their fantasy world.
The instrumentation throughout “Wendy” is fantastic. The rhythm section lays down a solid foundation, with the bassline locking in tight with the drums and the guitar weaving in and out, adding layers of texture and color. But the true star of the show here is the guitar solo. Duval lets loose with a scorching display of psychedelic technique, his fingers dancing across the fretboard as he creates a swirling vortex of sound that perfectly complements the song’s disorienting themes.
The production on the other hand is equally impressive. The song is clear and crisp, yet still retains a vintage warmth that enhances the psychedelic atmosphere. Everything is perfectly balanced in the mix, allowing each instrument to shine without dominating the others.
But hey, “Wendy” is more than just a sonic trip. The lyrics, delivered with a deceptively casual coolness by Duval, explore the dangers of self-delusion and the importance of facing reality. Lines like “She thinks to be a sweet, sweet angel / But she’s only a speck of dust” paint a picture of Wendy’s inflated self-image, while the chorus offers a glimmer of hope with the repeated refrain “Wake up and just Live!” It’s a call to shed illusions and embrace reality, a sentiment that resonates throughout the song’s infectious melody.
Overall, “Wendy” is a masterclass in psychedelic rock songwriting and performance. From the in-your-face drums and a scorching guitar solo to the introspective lyrics and laid-back vocals, everything comes together to create a truly immersive experience. If you’re looking for a song that will take you on a trip through the landscapes of the mind, then Skycall’s “Wendy” is a must-listen.
Listen to “Wendy” by Skycall on Spotify and let us know your thoughts.
You can follow Skycall here for more information.
