Fernando Perdomo’s year-long Waves series reaches the 100-song milestone, and a bit of a quandary.
Perdomo has consistently provided engaging songs on these albums. A lesser artist would have included some fillers among the 10 songs on each LP. Yet, reviewing the prior nine releases, Perdomo has kept true to his vision of a progressive ocean/water-themed instrumentals.
The quandary is that Perdomo, via his Bandcamp page, has announced a remixed best-of Waves release upon completion of Waves 12. The quandary is how Perdomo will decide what to include on the deluxe single-disc release.
His October release, Waves 10, does not make the decision any easier. Here are my favorite five songs from the album:
“Posiden”: The opening track on Waves 10 is one frontrunner from the album for inclusion on an overall compilation. Still employing his one-man band, Perdomo utilizes an intriguing soundcape of electric guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers as the bedrock of the songs. Multitracked electric guitar leads and slightly behind-the-beat drumming flesh out the sprawling song before Perdomo’s electric guitar makes a big statement as the song crashes onto shore.
“Abandon Mansion in Decay”: An acoustic guitar gem that evokes Steve Howe during his Time album period. “Abandon Mansion in Decay” has delicately picked passages, then ramps up to an aggressively strummed section. Perdomo’s arrangement is as dynamic as his playing.
“The Caress”: A weird and wonderful trip. The fretless bass takes center stage, accompanied by Wurlitzer-like keyboard textures. The song is expansive, dark, and utterly unique.
“Golden Glow”: There are hints of post-Roger Waters Pink Floyd, with Perdomo nailing the Nick Mason drum feel. Of course, the anthemic lead guitar lines are there, with possibly my favorite lead work from Fernando Perdomo on Waves 10. The bass and Rhodes-sounding keyboard all conspire to drag the listener further from the shoreline, leaving the listener to wonder if they will ever return home.
“Bustelo for Blood”: This song initially comes off as a tasty, if not conventional, pro-rock instrumental, rather than the hyper-caffeinated rocker the title suggests. A deeper inspection reveals Perdomo employing inviting hooks, powerful guitar solos and an equally dynamic arrangement to press the theme. “Bustelo for Blood” is dynamic and multilayered.
Waves 10 continues Fernando Perdomo’s hitting streak. Bring on the last three installments!
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