Waylen Roche’s debut, “33,” reflects on his last five years split between New York City and the Hudson Valley. The album talks about how our world is rapidly changing due to advances in technology and shifts in culture.

“33” goes into a lot of different areas. Roche discusses his personal life and his views on the digital transformation that’s reshaping our society. The music on “33” blends alt R&B with synth pop, creating a style Roche calls “swamp psych soul.” It combines strong melodies, electronic vibes, and a bit of a psychedelic twist. The songs manage to discuss both personal experiences and broader social issues.

photo by @waylenroche

Roche is a poet of the digital age, wrestling with bytes as much as with his own demons. In “33,” he navigates through his life’s recent half-decade, laying bare his soul against a backdrop that’s constantly shifting—much like the very technology he critiques. The music—a blend he dubs “swamp psych soul”—is as eclectic as the subjects it explores. Imagine the lovechild of alt R&B and synth pop, raised in a murky bayou with a healthy dose of psychedelic spices. It’s music that feels both intimate and expansive, capable of filling the cramped spaces of urban apartments and echoing over the wide-open stretches of the valley.

Roche’s lyrics serve as a gritty commentary on our digitally saturated existence. It’s as if he’s talking to us from the other side of a screen, or perhaps shouting out from beneath it, trying to make sense of a world where human connections are both facilitated and fractured by technology.

However, if you thought the album was entirely about the digital world, you’d be mistaken. As a deeply sensual poet, “33” is also an album about love, the search for self, and meaning. Roche’s vocals are profoundly emotive, adding a layer of depth to the already rich textures. Roche doesn’t shy away from vulnerability. His reflections are both a personal catharsis and a collective mirror, holding up to us the complexities of navigating a world where everything is connected yet isolation looms large.

The aesthetic soul in the first “Granite” intertwines with a modern beat and bright keys. I like that in this album the sound is dense from the first track, hinting that there’s more great songs to come. The track “Jordan” opens with a deep, low piano, leaning towards the lower octaves, and a slowly unfolding voice of Waylen Roche. Textured backing vocals highlight the atmosphere of R&B soul jazz, while the track balances between an acoustic sound and complex jazz harmonies. It’s a sophisticated piece, but for aesthetes and discerning listeners, it will be a real discovery.

photo by @waylenroche

In “Buckets” and “Proof,” Waylen Roche emerges as a lyricist who can shift moods through his lyrics. “Buckets” hints at an escalating atmosphere with an electric guitar bursting into the sound towards the end of the song, while in “Proof” the harmonies take on an almost minor, yet sensual and even sexy sound. Such diversity of instruments and rhythms continues to surprise and delight in “Water.” This track is a prime example of that very sensual and romantic sound, bright lyrics, and unique harmonies that only Waylen Roche can create. It’s a pleasure to listen to such original and well-produced music!

After the middle of the album, “Fingertips” greets us with a light guitar and a gentle, almost smoky vocal, whose sound transforms over the course of the track, acquiring distinct synth keys. I like how a minimal set of instruments creates such a big and voluminous sound. This track is perfect for a breezy ride along the coast, dreaming about love, or a slow dance with your significant other in the living room. I am absolutely delighted by “Pines.” It seems to me one of the most complex songs on the album.

Playing with contrasts and creating a unique sound, “For Lewis” finishes the album with a superb pop acoustic masterpiece. It’s the perfect ending that punctuates the narrative, sounding like a scene after the credits.

A discerning listener will certainly notice the song titles, which suggest that the album “33” is, at its core, conceptual. The rich layer of meaning is captured through excellent lyrics, always supported by the appropriate tonalities and vocal techniques of Waylen Roche. Undoubtedly, the album “33” is one of the most emotionally and meaningfully dense, and each listening will reveal new layers of meaning that beg to be discovered.

It’s intimate, it’s messy, and it’s undeniably human—just like the world he reflects in his music. So, listen to “33” if you dare to peer into our collective psyche, serenaded by the soulful sounds of Waylen.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub