Released: May 17, 2024

Genre: Alternative / Jazz

From: London, UK

Label: Warp Records

A few thoughts: South London-based artist Wu-Lu has been an integral part of the thriving independent jazz and indie scene for a few yers now, with 2022’s LOGGERHEAD being his most defining project to date. He defies categorisation, fusing genres and experimenting endlessly with new sounds. Learning To Swim On Empty is his new 7-track project, a varied and experimental body of work with soulful and gentle compositions that are groovy, infectious in energy and mesmerising throughout. “Young Swimmer” features talented poet and multidisciplinary artist Rohan Ayinde, who provides stunning introspective poem about growth and family – it’s a stunning moment and sets the tone for the rest of the project. The drum-led and guitar-driven grooves of “Daylight Song” are fantastic, with subtle synths and lyrics speaking on being lost in his own head, trying to get out of this constricting state of mind in a world that is already damaged and depressing. “Sinner” has this incredible bassline, with acoustic guitars leads and subtle strings that create this playful melody speaking on his sins and reflecting on what drives them and how to escape from them. “Mount Ash” is a gentle and atmopsheric track, with a stunning string-led melody, and a spoken-word piece that captures an intimate and intense energy that’s captivating and immersive throughout. “Blunted Strings” has this emphatic groove, with an incredible beat, strings leads and a beautiful melody. Wu-Lu’s lyrics about running away from responsibilities, being lost in a world with heavy expectations. “Last Night with You” has a melancholy to it that is reflective and so beautiful and poignant. The strings and bassline and synths throughout are met with incredible drumming, the groove and introspection are stellar. “Crow’s Nest” closes the project off with gentle drumming, guitar leads and bass, with an excellent spoken-word piece from Caleb Femi, who shares his thoughts on is such an immersive listen, with a spoken-word piece that is captivating, along with the wind instrumentation that creates this immersive, atmospheric and beautiful energy. It’s a reflective, poignant listen, and one that captures the beauty and essence of Wu-Lu’s artistry. Learning To Swim On Empty is a more reflective and melancholic listen, with a revealing vulnerability to it that is relatable, and with an eclectic and immersive sound.

The project: