Hailing from the verdant embrace of Forest Ranch, California, Solwater, the musical project of singer-songwriter Luke Anderson, washes over the music scene with a debut album as enriching as its namesake, “Feel It All the Way.” Released on March 1, this nine-track offering isn’t mere entertainment; it’s a guided meditation, a soulful exploration of the human experience in all its beautiful complexity. Aided by a band of talented collaborators, including the ethereal harmonies of Aea Luz, the steady pulse of Jared May on bass, and the evocative melodies of Jakob Pek on lead guitar, Solwater weaves a tapestry of sound that perfectly complements the poignant lyricism. This album is full of purpose. Let’s read on!
On the opening track, “Belonging,” Solwater brings in a charm to create an atmosphere and a style that is hard to come by. As a folk song that cradles us in gentle waves of sound, Anderson’s vocals, as smooth as polished river stones, weave a tale of grief and acceptance. Lines like “Drop into the water, and the waters carry me” paint a vivid picture of surrendering to emotions, mirroring the calming current of the music. The kora, played by Salif Bamakora, adds an exotic touch, while Jared May’s bass provides a steady heartbeat, grounding the song in a sense of peace. Honestly, Luke Anderson’s excellent vocals, when combined with the amazingly interesting soundscapes that have been curated through this beauty of a track, make for a magical treat that anybody wouldn’t like to miss out on.
Moving on, “Fears Falling Away” offers a poignant embrace of healing. Lines like, “You lost your way, and now it all comes back to you,” weave a narrative of self-discovery, soundtracked by Anderson’s caressing vocals and a warm tapestry of guitar, cello, and harmonies. Despite the inevitable “news” that “breaks your heart in two,” the song’s core message is one of hope, with the repeated refrain, “Fears falling away,” a mantra for anyone seeking solace after a heartbreak. Anderson’s voice seems especially well-suited to this song, with the slower pace of the intro resolving into a more beautiful song.
The journey inward continues with “Follow the Road,” a song that feels like a mantra chanted under a starlit sky. Anderson’s vocals are smooth and resolute as he sings, “Follow the road, uncover the mind, til the body it glows,” urging us on a path of self-discovery. The gentle guitar work, pulsing bass, and ethereal touches of the kora create a soundscape that perfectly complements the introspective lyrics. This is a song for those of us seeking our truth, a reminder that growth often happens “one step at a time.”
With “Courage,” the album takes a more anthemic turn. The song opens with a powerful question, “Can we stand up tall / Even if we doubt it, we’ll rise again. From another fall,” immediately setting the stage for a journey through hardship and self-discovery. Anderson’s vocals find beautiful harmony with Aea Luz’s, creating an uplifting and infectious delivery. The stripped-down production allows the lyrics to shine through, a powerful reminder that courage is a choice we make, urging us to find strength in vulnerability and trust in the face of fear. This is a song I enjoyed; its composition and arrangement were on point. I loved their vocal harmonies, which added so much depth to the track. It was phenomenal!
Love, in all its complexities, takes center stage in “Lovers Song.” The opening lines, “On days when the way seems way too long,” establish the theme of facing challenges within a relationship. Anderson’s vocals are a gentle reassurance amidst the doubt, reminding us that “If a heavy heart means it’s all gone wrong,” it doesn’t mean the love is lost. The stripped-down production, featuring just Anderson’s guitar and the hypnotic plucking of Salif Bamakora’s kora, creates an intimate space for the lyrics to resonate. The infectious repetition of “This too belongs/This too is the lovers’ song” underlines the song’s core message: love is a tapestry woven with joy and hardship.
The title track, “Feel It All the Way,” is a powerful emotional anthem. The lyrics, like “Come closer into the broken heart/ It is love still,” urge us to confront pain as a part of the human experience. The repeated refrain “feel it all the way” emphasizes the importance of vulnerability. Anderson delivers the message with soulful conviction, backed by warm harmonies and a gentle bed of fingerstyle guitar, bass, and banjo. The understated production places the focus on the raw emotion in the vocals and lyrics, a song that resonates deeply, inviting us to find peace and belonging by accepting the messy completeness of life.
Solwater doesn’t shy away from confronting the darker aspects of humanity. “Sing the Circle Open Wider” tackles the cycle of violence and trauma passed down through generations. This song grapples with the duality within us, acknowledging the “line between good and evil” that runs through every heart. The gentle resolve in Anderson’s vocals reflects the struggle for healing, while Aea Luz’s ethereal harmonies add a touch of hope. Overall, “Sing the circle open wider,” urges us to break the cycle and create a more inclusive world.
The album’s last but one single, “Sea of Stars,” is a powerful song that explores the cycle of violence and trauma, but also offers a message of hope and healing. The lyrics, such as “The line between good and evil runs through every heart,” speak to the idea that we all have the capacity for both good and bad, but that we can choose to break the cycle of violence by coming together and healing our wounds. The vocals are soulful and expressive, and the performance is passionate and moving. The production is lush and atmospheric, with the cello, steel string guitar, bass, and vocal harmonies all contributing to the song’s emotional impact.
Finally, the album closes with “Jaguar Calling,” an instrumental song written and played by Luke Anderson on a dual-chambered clay flute. Layered with the sounds of nature from his land, it’s a peaceful and contemplative closure, leaving us with a sense of serenity and connection to the natural world.
Overall, Solwater’s “Feel It All the Way” is a masterful debut album that resonates on a deep emotional level. Each track is a testament to the transformative power of music, inviting us to embrace life’s complexities with courage and grace. With its poignant lyrics, soulful vocals, and exquisite instrumentation, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who listen. The production of the songs is done nicely. The mix and master, too, do not disappoint. This album from today is the kind of example album I will use when I speak of good production, dynamics, and overall great songwriting. Solwater has undoubtedly made a powerful entrance onto the music scene, and his future endeavors are eagerly anticipated.
Listen to the “Feel It All the Way” album by Solwater on Spotify or SoundCloud and let us know your thoughts.
You can follow Solwater here for more information.
