Folk/Review Wilhelm - Wake Me in the Sunrise

Wilhelm is the solo side project of the frontman for Murnau and The House Flies, creating indie lo-fi folk music that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. With a focus on simple yet powerful songwriting, Wilhelm invites listeners into a world of introspection and warmth.

The ethereally lovely lo-fi folk album “Wake Me in the Sunrise” by Wilhelm transports listeners to a very personal experience. A masterwork of unvarnished, minimalist art, Wilhelm is well-known for his collaborations with Murnau and The House Flies. Using only the built-in condenser microphones on a 4-track Tascam digital multitracker, the album creates a personal, nearly diary-like sound that immerses listeners in Wilhelm's world.

“Wake Me in the Sunrise's” nine tracks strike a careful mix between literary sensitivity and simple music. With its evocative reed organ and delicate vocal delivery, the opening track, "Midnight Caller on the Moon," instantly establishes the mood and conjures up the sensation of a midnight journey through a dreamscape. Every song that follows expands on this emotional resonance, allowing the listener to delve further into themes of time passing, introspection, and desire.

Wilhelm's distinctive voice style—melodic but delicate—gives his stories a more genuine feel. Songs like "Obituary Page," and "Hold Your Head Now, Baby" are notable for their profound lyrics as well as their capacity to stick in your head long after the last note has faded.

This is a demanding album that rewards those who delve deeply into its reflective soundscapes; it is not one to be taken lightly. Wilhelm establishes himself as a master of lo-fi folk with “Wake Me in the Sunrise,” creating music that is ageless, intimate, and incredibly poignant. The record speaks loudly while whispering its truths.