Wyldest – The Universe Is Loading
The Universe Is Loading is Wyldest's most immersive work to date, and sees her find strength through fragility
The title of this latest album from Wyldest (aka Zoë Mead) feels like an existentially accurate description on today’s world turmoil. An examination of the world on a micro and macro level, it sees the London-based singer-songwriter – who has long been acutely talented at portraying introspectiveness in her writing – look more outward for personal upheaval, finding more artistic freedom in the process.
After the Ending paints this picture vividly. Wyldest’s vocals lilt over shimmering guitars via pop-imbued melodies. It may sound bright, but the track was actually written after Mead received a diagnosis of endometriosis. This forced her to contemplate the prospect of a life-threatening illness and temporarily pause production on the album. However, out of this huge challenge, the song instead focuses on self-acceptance, embracing change and making the most of life.
This positive mantra continues on Wax Museum and The Whole World Cries. Other moments, such as Foolish World, ruminate on nature’s power to prevail over human interference, while Old Flame and Foxglove Will Grow prioritise personal growth among difficult relationships. Both sonically and thematically, this is Wyldest’s most immersive work to date that sees her find strength through fragility. An impressive return.
Listen to: After the Ending, The Whole World Cries