After releasing one of my favourite albums of the year, Wasia Project hit the road to play this music for near sold out rooms across the country. The sibling duo are both technically gifted musicians, and that shows through in the record itself (read our review here). On stage though, they’re able to create a beautiful atmosphere, translating that music to the audience in a way that moves those in the audience.
First though, a word for Lumï, the dutch duo who create the most exquisite harmonies that had the audience enraptured. They’re charming singer-songwriters, telling us the inspiration for their songs with real humour and humility. Should you see them, I hope they tell the story of the tadpoles that inspired their writing. But more than anything, it’s the quality of their composition and arrangement that helped create a warm hug of an atmosphere. It set the night up perfectly for Wasia Project.
Olivia Hardy and Will Gao emerge with their band to a huge reception from the quite varied crowd. Some undoubtedly have discovered the band via the hit TV show Heartstopper, while others will have picked up on the EPs that have made their way to the radio. All are excited to hear music from the new album – Nocturne – which, considering it is their debut, is a superbly mature piece of work, musically and lyrically.
The opening tracks fly by, hazy and beautiful, before Hardy welcomes us all to the show. She takes a stool centre stage and with Voices in My Head delivers a song that is both pretty and powerful in equal measure. The opening is subtle, gentle before the band drive the second half forward with rich rhythm and Hardy’s soaring vocal.
Gao moves across the stage, taking his place at different sets of keys throughout the show. He explains the challenge and pressure of crafting a debut album and how the mentality is somehow different from writing an EP. The breakthrough came in the shape of 2515 and Whale Song, which come through next in the set list.
ur so pretty is a clear standout moment. Delicate, pure vocals seem to silence the crowd, such is the hold Hardy can create over an audience. It takes a moment before the applause, like we are processing what we just heard.
It’s not all woozy swaying and reverent hush though. Sunken Quay is dark and brooding and creates a different mood, before Bleeding Gold’s singalong hook brings the room alive.
Creating this album feels like Wasia Project has come of age. There’s greater maturity, depth and feeling within each piece and it’s put together expertly for the stage. Coupled with their undeniable quality, Hardy and Gao have delivered something special here. Now they’ve broken the seal, I hope the next records continue on this path.
