Ben Quad Unveils the Emotional Architecture of Their New Album 'Wisher'

2 hours ago7 min read

For Oklahoma City's Ben Quad, the release of their sophomore album, 'Wisher', on Pure Noise Records is more than a debut—it's a declaration. The band, known for its twinkling guitars and confessional lyricism, has transitioned from the DIY Midwest scene to a platform that has hosted punk and hardcore heavyweights.In an intimate track-by-track discussion, the quartet reveals 'Wisher' as a meticulously crafted gallery of vulnerability, where each song serves as a distinct emotional exhibit. The opening track is described as a cathartic purge of imposter syndrome, with guitars escalating into a frantic peak before dissolving into a serene, resolved bridge.Another song navigates the poignant dissolution of a friendship, its steady, mournful rhythm section underpinning vocals that fracture with palpable loss. One standout cut revolves around a hypnotic, looping guitar riff, evoking the feeling of a solitary late-night drive and pairing it with lyrics of nostalgic yearning that feel both intensely personal and universally resonant.The album's titular track, 'Wisher', stands as its sprawling, five-minute emotional centerpiece. Building from a whisper to a climactic roar, it encapsulates the record's core theme: a profound reckoning with the ghosts of potential and the lives not lived.Throughout their breakdown, the band's influences—the intricate melodies of American Football, the dynamic intensity of Cap'n Jazz, the anthemic reach of Jimmy Eat World—are evident, yet refined through a modern sensibility that seamlessly incorporates pop-punk hooks and post-rock crescendos. This sophisticated songcraft is the product of years spent honing their art within Oklahoma's fiercely loyal music scene. With 'Wisher', Ben Quad makes a compelling case that the nuanced, emotionally raw spirit of emo is not a relic but a vital, evolving force, and they are poised to author its next compelling chapter.

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#Ben Quad

#Wisher

#album breakdown

#track by track

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#Pure Noise Records

#Oklahoma City

#sophomore album