REVIEW: Ben Quad - Wisher

BEN QUAD’s music can be defined as a warm embrace of nostalgia. Their upcoming album evokes the joy of cycling through hit music stations and finding that special band that really resonates with you. Wisher, BEN QUAD’s upcoming album, pushes their midwest emo boundaries by introducing elements of pop, driving the band out of their typical sound, and perhaps expanding the comfort zone of their fans. Wisher is the band's second full-length release after their debut album I’m Scared That’s All in 2022, and they'll be embarking on a double set of tours with first KOYO and then ARM'S LENGTH in support of the release.

The album reveals itself as if it was written as a complex heartfelt love letter to someone of deep importance. The opening track What Fer? sets the tone for the album. It opens with gentle acoustic guitar and finishes with a flawlessly executed guitar solo, which can be interpreted as the growth of desperation to understand a relationship, matching the lyrical pleas for communication. 

Did You Decide to Skip Arts and Crafts? is, at its core, pure warped tour sentimentality. It channels the emo energy of the greats of the genre, (A DAY TO REMEMBER, TAKING BACK SUNDAY, AMERICAN FOOTBALL, to list a few) taking listeners straight back to the early 2000s, but with a modern, refined twist. Within can be found a version of this older emo guitar playing and drumming, but under the new influences of modern technology and high standards of production, in order to construct a carefully thought out piece of music to cater to both new and old generations of emo fans.

Released on November third, the single Very Big In Sheboygan reveals personal perceptions of intense yearning and desire. The lyrics read as a beautiful ode to struggles of distance with truthful statements like “now I'm finally coming home” and “When you’re not around I feel like someone else”. The instruments perfectly complement the meaningful optimism of the lyrics, setting a hopeful tone with intricate guitar riffs and uplifting drumming. 

Following Very Big In Sheboygan, the track All Your Luck continues this romantic journey of the band indulging in more mellow melodies. In contrast to the previous song, it displays the thrill of a long awaited reunion, demonstrating this commitment to a partner. Delving deeper tells us about the feeling of having someone you consider to be a perfect partner, and the desperation of allowing your partner to see their worth, despite the listener knowing it all along. Hopefully, it inspires listeners to understand that they “deserve better” and that they are adored by someone, if not by themselves. 

Wisher’s tracks flow seamlessly into one another, subconsciously weaving a story of needing someone, being with them, and later getting over them. The final track I Hate Cursive and I Hate All Of You is overflowing with the heartache of losing someone. Instrumentally, this is represented quite overtly by the song being one of the more aggressive tracks on the release, showing the anger felt in the moment. The song feels raw, authentic, and abrasive, making the song connect very powerfully. It's laced with emotion, and showcases the band's ability to engage in a variety of techniques, which make this song an absolute standout.

The band has a clear direction on this album and are consistently evolving their sound. It's refreshing to see an emo band provide positive songs on love and loss in a genre that is oversaturated with sad, cautionary tales, although that isn’t to say fans wouldn’t appreciate hearing more vulnerable mournful music (like their past album) in the future. Make sure to follow BEN QUAD’s musical journey to see their expansion in talent and sound as it is clear they have a promising future. 

Score: 8/10

Wisher will be released on November 14th via Pure Noise Records.

Words: Alix England

Photos: Ben Quad