Wrens - Half of What You See (2025)

There’s a long-standing aroma around the concept of the sophomore album that, for some, triggers involuntary vomiting of “what if it’s not”’s and similar brown notes. The interesting thing about WRENS, same with many ensembles that are rooted in a constant through-line of reactive improvisation, is that the very essence of what is heard is rooted in three things: how good are they on their own, how good are they at knowing each others’ individuality, and what did they eat that day? This record is, as decided by the casually grown men involved, sinister. Amidst many a “in times like these” prefixes, the triplet of ingredients spells the recipe: these guys are clever noise-makers, these guys know each other’s dialects, and somehow they haven’t given into deadly spells of food poisoning while consuming the atmosphere of the planet’s greasiest inhabitants: humans. There’s a fantastical element to trying to combat the option of sinking with sneakiness, humor, and boastful nuance. There’s a solemn sense of wonder while painting a landscape of feverish dissonance and tunnels of matted, hairy sonic architecture while the studio is filled with laughter. The sanctity of honesty has a cherished abstention from hiding the darkness. This album is sinister. Music as an escapist frolic has little solidarity with the tension that’s flirted with here. “In these dark times” is cliche. It’s dismissive of history, present, and what lurks onward. But WRENS is comfortable knowing that. Maybe a little too comfortable. Too ready to be more wretched than the skeletal hands that want us all. And that, perhaps, is why there’s so much meditative solace, much triumph, and much a good giggle nested within.
–Ryan Easter

Tracklist:
1-1 Wrens - INTRO [3:56]
1-2 Wrens - SNAKE [5:24]
1-3 Wrens - DOUBLE DOUBLE [3:34]
1-4 Wrens - CRAYOLA [6:25]
1-5 Wrens - INTERLUDE [1:36]
1-6 Wrens - CHARLIE PARKER [3:56]
1-7 Wrens - LONGBOW [4:53]
1-8 Wrens - COUNTDOWN TO IT [2:52]
1-9 Wrens - OUTRO [4:50]