#ryan wu

WUTASIA BY RYAN WU

     Spending my teen years in Charleston I have been exposed to just about every type of country music; country-pop, country-rock, country-gospel, country-bluegrass. One time I even got roped into watching a Sublime cover band that also played their own country songs. However it was not until I heard Ryan Wu’s EP Wutasia that I heard psychedelic country. Hailing from Brooklyn New York and composed of Teo Hernandez, Oliver Divone, Paul Jacob Hunter, Patrick Preziosi, Alexander Kutschera and Ryan Wu, the project began back in 2016. It was then that Wu decided he wanted to try to experiment more with his music. Naturally I had my hesitations before pressing play as I wasn’t too convinced that anyone could pull of the combination.

    But Ryan Wu did.

    Within 30 seconds of the first song, “Changin’” I regretted ever doubting it. In fact I kind of started wondering why I’d never heard this combination before. The song retained it’s mellow lo-fi feeling whilst incorporating a country twang of sorts. The Mac Demarco-esque guitar parts created this perfect groove whilst keeping the song dynamic and interesting.

     Once again, “Can’t Be Without You,” had me marveling at the cohesion of the two merged genres. It had this spacey psych feel with an undeniable soul undertone. Even with the harmonica parts it didn’t lose that dream pop quality instead it juxtaposed it perfectly. The traditional country elements seemed to just accentuate the more rock side of the song to make you notice the little details of each. “You and I,” another stand out ballad that deals with the turmoil of relationships carries on those perfect qualities. With a bit of a 60’s flair, it’s more subdued and soft. It’s acoustic guitar heavy but still has that far-out daydream feeling.

     While some of the tracks lead more towards the psychedelic side, there are a few where the country roots are the deepest. “If There's Anything I Can Do” is thick with soul and packed full of classic country influences. With the twangy lead guitar and harmonic intro it seemed like it was gearing up to be a full fledged country ballad. Then the bass came in. With the funky bass line and the beautifully executed lyrics the song balanced itself out in the most graceful way possible.

   This EP, seemingly the ultimate experiment, was pulled off brilliantly. From the catchy hooks to the unexpected influences the sound is so unique it could never be duplicated. Wu’s innovation into a seemingly banal genre is one that more artist will hopefully be inspired by. 

LISTEN TO RYAN WU HERE