Indie Music Album Reviews

Michael Wu - Time25

7/16/2025

Michael Wu

Time25
self-released; 2025

By Jamie Funk

Michael Wu opens his solo career not with a bang, but with a deep breath. “Time25” feels like stepping into a familiar room you hadn’t realized you missed. It is comforting, reflective, and a little bit haunted. After years as a bassist for regional bands, Wu steps into the spotlight with a song that trades flash for focus, built on jangly guitars, melodic basslines, and the kind of songwriting that stays with you longer than expected.

The track starts with a groove that immediately reminded me of the mid-90s indie rock I grew up on. The vocals are slightly tucked behind the mix, which gave them a worn-in and confessional quality. I liked how the drums subtly shifted throughout, keeping the rhythm alive without drawing too much attention. Around the two-minute mark, the song finds its peak. The bassline here stood out to me, locking everything into place with a surprising amount of weight.

“Time25” draws influence from the clarity of R.E.M., the melodic sharpness of Jason Falkner, and the emotional pull of early Death Cab for Cutie. Lyrically, it explores the weight of passing time and the internal drift that comes when the days start to blur. The production is sparse but deliberate. It is not trying to impress with complexity. Instead, it offers a kind of intimacy that rewards close listening.

For a debut, this is a confident and thoughtful start. Wu sounds like someone who has spent years listening closely and now has something worth saying. I am looking forward to hearing where he goes next.