While we start off this next chapter of NScene, I wanted to go back in the vault and discuss a few releases I haven’t had the chance to speak about, yet definitely deserve a spotlight. Kicking off the throwback reviews is an EP with kick-ass main character vibes: Wave Break’s latest release, “Puzzle Pieces.” “Puzzle Pieces” is composed of seven songs; a collection of tunes that leaves the listener satisfied from the first track until the very last note– where one will find themselves ultimately begging for another listen. A dangerous cycle with chords as strong as rip currents, I keep finding myself pulled in for more.
Kelly Barber really has come into her own with this EP, mastering the fine balance of pop-rock and pop-punk. Notoriously, I am known for hating on the “Paramore comparison.” Usually, it is nothing but a lazy excuse for journalism dusted in misogyny, 90% of the time sounding nothing like the legendary pop-punk act. This once I have to make an exception, for Kelly has singlehandedly brought me back to the first time I heard the albums Riot and Brand New Eyes. All I could feel was excitement fluttering inside as I listened, feeling a sense of serenity I yearned for all last year. Make no mistake, Wave Break is a powerhouse act of its own, creating a genre I like to call Empower Pop Rock. A mostly rock sound with a splash of pop that inspires the listener to take a stand and fight for your beliefs. By splash, I mean the pop equivalent of adding a splash of cola to a Long Island. It’s enough to add a soft edge, yet the core is strong rock. Kelly’s voice is a unique one, a grit you can distinguish and pick out easily if you were to play music on shuffle or walk randomly into a room. Add a stellar vocal control and dynamic range, and you’ve got one packed soundtrack.
If this is the direction Wave Break is heading, then the future is looking absolutely bright. A few of my favorite tracks include “Stop The Car,” “Manic Dreams,” and “Melatonin.” You can listen to the entire EP on all streaming platforms as well as purchase a physical copy on their merch site!