Introducing you to Wisteria Falls, the latest project from Auckland musician and songwriter Will Walker. Will is no stranger to the Auckland & NZ music scene or the Australian rock scene for that matter. Previous outfits included Auckland pop punk power trio Heart Thieves who made the move across the ditch a few years back. This was followed up by Half Honest which saw Will move into solo singer/songwriter territory, morphing into a similar project back in Auckland called Wist Kid, and finally arriving in 2022 at Wisteria Falls. This new project while starting out as a solo effort will now transform into a fully-fledged group and from the way this song sounds it needs to be belted out by a band in a packed room of moshing fans.
Straight off the bat, from hearing the debut track Temperamental I heard echoes of The Ataris So Long Astoria, an album that still stands the test of time to this day. That melodic, punchy, energetic and highly emotive musical feel rushed right in. Will’s vocals have a unique quality, there’s a little rasp and a mix of international emo style vocals with a harder punk rock edge. It feels like a 90’s/2000’s emo/pop punk vibe but wrapped in a 2022 setting. Think Sunny Day Real Estate's Jeremy Enigk blended with TBS's Adam Lazzara.
There is the heavy riffs but with melodic and clean guitar. The vocal dynamics are a highlight and there’s a strong Taking Back Sunday meets Brand New style of vocal harmonies that almost duel each other but work together harmoniously. The song structure is also interesting as while it starts off with a traditional intro to verse, it then moves all around rhythmically, flowing into different passages effortlessly. The song builds and drives and then comes back down for a little air before going all out on the outro, with the drums smashing at full pace and the vocals at full angst. Side note, I love the post hardcore mini breakdown which is absent of vocals and keeps the groove in full swing.
For a debut single, this music took me back and it felt great. Upbeat summer vibe with raw emotion and the production is perfect for the feel of the song. Recorded, mixed and mastered by producer Sam Austin who also handled all the instrumentation, it’s a very solid first outing and I look forward to where we are taken next.
Slamming out polished tracks in an unashamedly post pop punk/emo style, Wisteria Falls is a 2022 act focused on thrilling digital content complimented by gripping live performance.
With four initial singles already aired and a playlist feature on Brisbane's 4zzz radio (pre-rebrand), W.F are rolling on to three more singles and a high calibre EP in 2022, aiming for significant online growth and live touring across NZ and Australia.
Wisteria Falls key members are Will Walker & Thomas Hall, who deliver a stunning dual-vocal performance echoing the likes of old-school emo powerhouses Taking Back Sunday or Mayday Parade, backed up by solid songwriting and ear-worm choruses.