Album Review: Watermelon Boy – The Wow Signal

Album Review: Watermelon Boy – The Wow Signal

Written By: Dan Eachus

In a world where music increasingly transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, Watermelon Boy emerges as a true visionary, blending diverse sounds to create a rich tapestry of auditory experiences. With the release of The Wow Signal in August 2024, Watermelon Boy continues to carve his niche in the global music scene, expanding upon his unique approach that marries the sounds of the global south with his Australian electronic pedigree. This sophomore album builds on his previous work, showcasing not only his growth as an artist but also his commitment to collaboration and exploration.

Evolution and Collaboration

Since his debut in 2016, Watermelon Boy has established a reputation for crafting visceral electronica that pulls at the heartstrings. His first album, 101 Tropical Hits from Cosmic Space, received critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone noting its capacity to live up to its ostentatious title. With The Wow Signal, he continues this trajectory, featuring contributions from an impressive array of artists from Ghana, Fiji, Chile, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, India, and Jamaica. Each collaborator adds their own unique flavor, creating a diverse sonic landscape that feels both cohesive and expansive.

Watermelon Boy’s collaborations serve not only to enhance the album’s richness but also to illustrate his commitment to cross-cultural musical exchange. This album is a testament to the idea that music knows no borders, allowing listeners to traverse different musical worlds with each track.

Track-by-Track Breakdown

1. Outside (ft. Magajie) – The album opens with Outside, featuring Sierra Leonean vocalist Magajie. This track showcases a dynamic contrast of smooth sounds against snappy beats and rhymes. Watermelon Boy expresses the synergy they created, highlighting a memorable sax line that adds a jazzy flair to the electronic backdrop.
2. Memories – A fusion of tropical house, classic rave, and Amapiano, Memories is a club-ready anthem. Watermelon Boy captures the essence of a dedicated dance track with a percussive breakdown that invites listeners to lose themselves in the rhythm.
3. Cagi Mudre Vou (ft. Bigwilz & Christonite Boginikua) – This track blends traditional Fijian elements with future bass, creating an anthem filled with nostalgia and newness. The stunning vocal performance by Bigwilz complements the intricate production, emphasizing the emotional depth of the song.
4. Gbona (ft. Green Baker) – A dark and sexy Afrobeats track, Gbona features a modern bassline and tuned percussion that creates an intoxicating atmosphere. Watermelon Boy and Green Baker’s chemistry shines through in this collaboration, bringing a romantic and soulful energy to the mix.
5. Glistening Sand – Inspired by the serene imagery of fishing boats at sunset, Glistening Sand utilizes samples from the famous blue stone beach in Flores, Indonesia. This track encapsulates the feeling of a tranquil journey, combining movement and energy with a relaxing vibe.
6. Mereba (ft. Bogo Blay) – This frantic and funky track is a celebration of intricate production. Bogo Blay’s complex vocal delivery matches the energetic beat, showcasing the talents of both artists in a compelling collaboration.
7. Spirit of The Lagoon (Famimora) (ft. Green Baker) – Returning for a second appearance, Green Baker lends his voice to a track that embodies a nighttime vibe. The manic bass and four-on-the-floor kick create a pulsating energy, inviting listeners to sway with the rhythm.
8. Damn Son (ft. 2FISTD) – This track introduces a rock element with fuzzy lead guitar and an unexpected bass drop. Watermelon Boy describes it as the most unique genre piece on the album, challenging listeners with its energetic and frantic nature.
9. No Problems (ft. BRYAN THE MENSAH) – A laid-back track that captures the spirit of the album, No Problems invites listeners to recline in the sun before cooling off in the ocean. BRYAN THE MENSAH’s chill vibes perfectly align with Watermelon Boy’s relaxed production style.
10. Hall of Fame (ft. BRYAN THE MENSAH & Jones 2.0) – This tribute to gratitude and shared experiences showcases the power of collaboration. The three artists combine their strengths to create a track that resonates with listeners, celebrating good times and teamwork.
11. Stand Up (ft. Jalmar) – A powerful and defiant track, Stand Up captures the energy of their Melbourne collaboration. Jalmar’s rough yet ripe vocal adds texture, pushing the track to new heights.
12. Break That Board (ft. Richie Loop & Mark Dwyer) – A playful dancehall track with a nostalgic nod to 90s fighting game samples, this collaboration exemplifies Watermelon Boy’s ability to blend genres and create infectious energy.
13. Du Papa – Featuring tropical bird samples, this track is a fun and energetic banger designed for the dance floor. Watermelon Boy’s unique production style shines through, making it a highlight of the album.
14. Outdoor Shower – Smooth and percussive, this track evokes the feeling of cocktails by the pool, encapsulating the essence of summer. Watermelon Boy describes its lively energy, making it a go-to track for uplifting moods.
15. Cheap Drinks & Bad Decisions – Concluding the album, this track dives into darker influences, combining tropical sounds with the gritty essence of Melbourne techno. Watermelon Boy’s exploration of contrasting styles leads to a compelling final statement.

Conclusion

The Wow Signal is a vibrant collection of feel-good jams that showcases Watermelon Boy’s growth as an artist and collaborator. By bringing together a diverse array of voices and sounds from around the globe, he creates a sonic landscape that feels both fresh and familiar. Each track serves as a testament to the beauty of collaboration and the power of music to unite people across cultures. With this album, Watermelon Boy solidifies his place as one of Australia’s most exciting producers, inviting listeners to embark on a joyful journey through sound.

For more information on the album and to listen to the tracks, you can visit the Soundcloud page here: https://soundcloud.com/arlo-mrr/sets/2024-album-tbc/s-SzEWkJvyWX4