Wu-Lu’s Learning to Swim on Empty: A Deep Dive into Genre-Defying Sounds and Raw Emotion
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South London musician Wu-Lu, also known as Miles Romans-Hopcraft, continues to break boundaries with his latest EP, Learning to Swim on Empty, released in May 2024 under Warp Records. Following the success of his 2022 debut album Loggerhead, this new project showcases an even more introspective and experimental side of the artist. Wu-Lu, known for his genre-agnostic approach, blends a myriad of influences from post-punk and dub to abstract hip hop, crafting a sound that’s both innovative and deeply personal. The EP is a journey through Wu-Lu’s reflections on life in Brixton, exploring themes of grief, rebirth, and the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Learning to Swim on Empty is more than just a collection of songs—it’s an emotional diary where each track represents a moment of vulnerability and self-discovery. Wu-Lu’s use of water as a metaphor throughout the EP is both powerful and evocative, capturing the ebb and flow of life’s struggles and triumphs. The lead single, “Daylight Song,” sets the tone with its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, while the dub-infused “Sinner” further demonstrates Wu-Lu’s ability to meld genres seamlessly. The vinyl release also includes two instrumental tracks, “Last Night With You (Instrumental)” and “Crow’s Nest (Instrumental),” offering a deeper exploration of the EP’s sonic landscape.
Wu-Lu’s music has often been compared to genre-defying acts like The Cinematic Orchestra and Portico Quartet, thanks to his innovative fusion of sounds and his knack for creating atmospheres that resonate on a deeply emotional level. His collaborations with artists such as Nubya Garcia and Zara McFarlane have also connected him with the vibrant South London jazz scene, further enriching his diverse musical palette. On Learning to Swim on Empty, Wu-Lu dives even deeper into his influences, drawing on the raw energy of punk, the rhythmic complexity of jazz, and the experimental edge of electronic music to create something entirely his own.
The EP not only showcases Wu-Lu’s growth as an artist but also reinforces his reputation as a trailblazer in the contemporary music scene. With Learning to Swim on Empty, Wu-Lu invites listeners to join him on a journey through the turbulent waters of life, where each song serves as a lifeline, offering hope and solace in the face of adversity. As he continues to push the boundaries of genre and sound, Wu-Lu proves that his music is not just a reflection of his experiences but also a powerful statement of resilience and creativity.
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