Weathered Wall - Guai

​Weathered Wall

Guai
self-released; 2024

By Dan Weston

Weathered Wall’s approach to sound feels like a collision of the experimental and the cinematic. Led by Dean Burnett, the project utilizes an eclectic array of sound sources—synthesizers, samplers, feedback loops, signal generators, and whatever else happens to be within reach. It’s an expansive, almost tactile approach to composition, where each track feels like a crafted atmosphere rather than a conventional song.

“Guai” kicks off with a meditative hum before a lead guitar weaves its way in. The immediate comparison is Pink Floyd—the vocals, in particular, conjure a distinctly Floydian aura. There’s a grandness to the delivery, especially as Burnett integrates a clip of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speech, adding a layer of gravitas. The spoken-word style of the vocals enhances the track’s cinematic quality, giving it an almost performative depth.

“Sand and Dust” veers in a more electronic direction, blending somber strings with glitchy beats. There’s a Björk-like quality here—both in the track’s textural choices and its introspective mood. It never quite shifts out of its pensive energy, but that seems intentional. It’s the kind of track that feels designed to accompany contemplation, a soundtrack for staring out windows and getting lost in thought.

The introspection carries over into “What About the Children,” which layers airy keys with unsettling sound effects, including a baby’s cry. The track feels like it’s lifted from the score of a dystopian sci-fi film, the kind of music that builds tension without resolution. There’s an unease that lingers, reflecting Burnett’s skill at crafting atmosphere as much as melody.

​Burnett’s talents as a composer are evident throughout, and it’s clear why his music finds its way into film and television. There’s a cinematic weight to these pieces that begs to be heard in broader contexts. Give it a listen.

Become A Fan

weathered-wall.com

Tweet