Stella Wembley released her highly anticipated EP “Wasting My Time” in September this year. We covered the original single around that time, and I was surprised at how this profoundly talented artist combined some of the finest qualities of electro-goth, darkwave, and synthwave in a singular piece. For those who somehow missed my previous review, “Wasting My Time” embraces all these qualities of the mentioned genres, but you’ll unquestionably hear more details along the way. This Leeds-based Italian-born artist invested all her experience, talent, knowledge, and ideas while writing, composing, recording, and producing this fine piece of sonic artistry, so you’ll have an incredible time listening to it.
The arpeggiated synth leads, themes, and chord progressions serve as a perfect backdrop for Wembley‘s outstanding vocal performance. Her flawlessly executed vocal harmonies range between low, mid, and high notes, emphasizing all the instrumentations. You’ll also notice how the distorted, raw, abrasive synth basslines lurk beneath the mentioned instrumentations, offering more heaviness, clarity, and depth. Of course, this composition wouldn’t sound so good without danceable, equally complex electronic beats that provide groove and pace, but also keep the remainder of the instrumentations in line. Wembley fully stacked the entire number with impressive instrumentations that will suit all the electro-goth, darkwave, and synthwave fans.
Besides the original version of “Wasting My Time,” the artist also included Cold Minimal Wave Remix, Bionic Visions Electro Remix, and Bionic Visions Dark Ambient Remix. These remixes reveal a palette of different elements, accentuations, nuances, and other sonic delicacies that give “Wasting My Time” an entirely new form. Therefore, you’ll solely enjoy Cold Minimal Wave Remix, which emphasizes all the synth instrumentations and gives the original single more goth-rock vibes. Bionic Visions Electro Remix is a heavier and aggressive, but also melodic, energetic, ethereal version where the beats dominate compared to other orchestrations. Still, you’ll notice many excellent arpeggiated synth chord progressions, themes, and leads, while the reverb effect decorates Wembley’s magnificent vocal harmonies. Bionic Visions Dark Ambient Remix showcases how this excellent track resonates with an entirely different ambiance when downtempo rhythmic sequences and slightly polished keys take over. Also, this particular version probably showcases the most post-punk, goth rock, and shoegaze elements involved.
“Wasting My Time” is one of those releases you should put on your radar if you’re into goth-inspired electro, synthwave, darkwave, coldwave, and dark ambient music. Stella Wembley’s ideas, musicianship, and vocal performance are on full display here, and you’ll solely enjoy all four versions, even if you’re not into the mentioned genres at all. “Wasting My Time” is available on all streaming platforms.
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