Gone Violet - “Wet Sand” Single Review

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Releases July 8th, 2022

Just a couple of days before its release, I’m finally able to publish a review of Gone Violet’s upcoming single, Wet Sand. Previously spoken of in a recent review of their single, “Human”, Gone Violet have impressed us before with their dreamy soundscapes that can only best be described as audible meditations that immerse the listener into a calming trance. “Wet Sand” is no exception to this formula of making you feel the music as much as you hear it.

“Wet Sand”, aside from what its title suggests, certainly feels oceanic in sound. The samples used being that of ocean-side, beachy sounds, complete with seagulls, wind, the sounds of waves crashing, and more, instantly send you right where you want to be this summer (if perhaps, of course, you are a beach person) and as long as you close your eyes, you can almost see it, too. Lyrically, the song is telling of this oceanic theme still, however going more in depth on not just the basic desire of being by the water, but what exactly getting to be in or by the ocean does for the narrator on a mental and spiritual aspect. From my understanding of what I hear, it’s as if the speaker is reminiscing childhood memories of going to the beach, as well as examining the realization of the natural need of sorts of the human experience to be in some form of natural environment at some point, somewhere, and how restorative it can be to the soul. Especially so after long periods of stress or mundane daily tasks.

Gone Violet now have two singles released that tell me they are perhaps inadvertently writing music for the sauna, or yoga classes, as the element of peace and tranquility prevalent in their music is, without a doubt, fitting to either setting. But for this song, in particular, you’re best to put it on to set the mood while sitting in that wonderful highway traffic as you, yourself, are beach-bound. Maybe it’ll make you even forget all about getting cut off 8 times before making it even 5 miles from your house this morning! Just keep swimming!

The song also features a familiar formula of building up, where the instrumentation and overall tone feels maybe a little softer at the start, and picks up timbre, with drums and a bit more driving of a guitar appearing as the track reaches middle portion of the song’s duration. We’re once again graced by Kristin Lewis’ enchanting vocal layerings, as the vocal harmonization and overall melodies are superb driving factors of the track. But this is not at all to discount the atmosphere created by their backing - the arpeggiated guitar chords accent Kristin’s vocals to no conflict. Not to mention the overall production value of the track is consistent and strong, virtually every piece of the song has its due clarity. While the vibe may match that of a 90’s tinge, it still has enough modern edge to it, as well as a fine-tuned, mastered volume level, to avoid being pigeonholed as maybe a “lost 90’s hit,” and instead simply shows some influence of the decade, even if not intended.

So where are Gone Violet going with “Wet Sand”? Clearly somewhere with saltwater, sand, and summer vibes, of course. I’m beginning to see a pattern of both introspection and being intune with the natural world, or perhaps even just a close examination of the elements around one’s self. At any rate, Gone Violet are, to me, a musical version of those lovely paintings of the woods, mountains, beaches, or other natural environments you always wish you could take home with you whenever you’re staying at a hotel or AirBnB somewhere. “Wet Sand” releases this week on July 8th, and if your road trip this summer needs a good soundtrack, be sure to add this one on the playlist.

9/10. Solid track with beautiful elements, all fitting to the season!

All images taken from band’s Instagram