Wm. Gorman - Wine Dark

Wm. Gorman

Wine Dark
self-released; 2022

By Matt Jensen

Wm. Gorman is an artist we first heard of last year with his release ​Plague Under The Portico. The artist is back with a new release entitled Wine Dark. It’s a full length album with thirteen songs. Throughout the album I felt like there was convergence between rock based music from the ’70s as well as a more contemporary approach.

“Soldier On” opens up the album and definitely has the feel of an opener. The instruments percolate and start to find their way. It’s a warm mix of organic instruments like guitar, keys, drums and bass. The guitar work was melodic and I found the song memorable. Strong start.

“The Price” was one of my favorites. I was actually reminded more of bands like Deerhunter and Real Estate. It’s just a killer song with dynamic and smooth transitions. The hook is especially good with solid guitar work and a vocal hook you might be singing along with after the first listen.

On “The Open Sea” we have a bit of a ’70s folk quality. The song is a little more melancholy, pensive and existential than the previous tunes. I loved the guitar picking here which is reminiscent of a song like “Blackbird” by The Beatles. The song does change with airy vocal harmonies and this lush groove which feels like you’re on a cloud. “Let Nature Run Its Course” drives with a fuzzy bass and an almost futuristic feel like you’re in some cyberpunk reality. The drums and bass carry this song. 

At this point on the album I was enjoying the variety of styles. The guitar work was a high point. “Just So” took it to the next level. I loved the production here and the instrumental aspects gel perfectly. That combined with exceptional vocal melodies and you have a highlight.

The album continues with “Perfectly Natural” and “Windows Down” which I thought were both solid songs with a mid level type of rock energy. The more melancholy “Mephistopheles” is a warm and comforting song. I was also greeted with a sense of awe in the same way I feel when I listen to Pink Floyd.

I was impressed with the quality of the songs as I approached the end of the album. “Streets of Pompeii” and  “You Can't Expect Things To Get Better” were some of the high points. The album ends with a song called “7/2” which is an ambient soundscape not too far off from Brian Eno. It did feel a little off brand to close the album with this sort of track but I still enjoyed it.

​This is a really good album from beginning to end. It solidifies the artist's talent in my opinion. If you appreciate some of the aforementioned artists this should be an easy win. Take a listen.

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