I, The Bastard
Empty Streets, 2021
8/10
Perhaps better known as 1/3 of the French outfit We Were Evergreens, Will Serfass debuts his solo project as Wassailer with I, The Bastard, where his electro-pop formula welcomes plenty of sophisticated textures.
“Foreplay” starts the listen with unusual sound bites before firm beats and dizzying percussion enter the bare, soulful version of pop, and “Trad” follows with playful backing vocals supporting the stylish, dance-friendly setting that even welcomes piano.
The middle tracks offer us the vocally diverse “Son”, where R&B influences enter the haunting climate, while “Ghosts” brings in DemiMa & Johnny Woodham for a dreamy landscape as Woodham’s trumpet fills impress us. “Three Dots In A Bubble”, a very noteworthy track, then displays a soaring falsetto alongside much atmosphere that’s minimal but impactful amid some minor twang.
Near the end, “242”, the 2nd single from the record, then recruits a breezy approach via creative indie-tronica, and “Song For Elsa” exits the listen bare, powerful and with much emotion as warm keys align with Serfass’ expressive singing.
Serfass makes fantastic use of his multi-instrumental skill here, where heartfelt, eloquent and adventurous song craft puts an exciting and unique spin on today’s version of indie-pop.
Travels well with: Still Corners- The Last Exit; DJ Shub- War Club