Album Review
Wastelander’s New Album “What is Left of Me”

From the poetic folk-rock rundown that we encounter in “Get Older” to the more eclectic feel of “Room Full of Elephants,” the pastoral qualities found in “Broken Leg,” and simplistic melodicism of the rather rousing “Never Trust a Man,” there’s scarcely a moment in Wastelander’s new album What is Left of Me where veteran singer/songwriter Cooper Formant doesn’t sound completely at ease in the recording studio. It can be said that he’s turned in some quality work before now, I think that this latest effort might just be the most confident he’s ever sounded. Under the Wastelander moniker, Formant goes out of his way to reject the filler that many in his age group have come to lean on when crafting a new album, instead favoring a concept that gets back to the basics of folk-rock rhythms and haunting new school harmonies while still allowing himself to explore his depth as a songwriter and arranger. The aptly titled What is Left of Me covers a lot of ground both emotionally and artistically, and I think it’s this player’s most intriguing work to date.
The tempo is as expressive as any of the melodies are in “I Just Want to Be Your Friend (featuring Erin Rae),” the mildly restless “Figure it Out,” superbly paced “Caduceus” and the churning yet wistful “Be Where (also with Rae),” and from where I sit, I think it was important to make it as prominent a feature in What is Left of Me as it wound up being. There’s a great warmth to the fretwork we find throughout this tracklist, and honestly, had the rhythm not been given a little extra panache from Formant, I’m not sure that this record would feel as multidimensional and versatile as it does in this particular instance. Formant’s vocal is challenged for authority over the harmony in “Natural Light” and the similarly absorbing “Get it Right,” but even when the backing instrumentation is giving him a serious run for his money, I don’t believe there’s ever a moment in this LP where he isn’t sounding like the true star of the show from top to bottom. What is Left of Me sports a terrific production quality, but it’s clear to me that all twelve of its obstinate songs would likely sound just as charming in a stripped-down arrangement as they do here.
If what I’m hearing in this latest release from Cooper Formant is essentially just a taste of what he’s planning on filling this unfolding chapter in his career with, then I think it would be safe for his fans and critics to assume that he’s far from finished as a singer/songwriter. Formant has magnificent energy and enthusiasm in this album that is reminiscent of some of the best singers to pick up a guitar, and if he’s able to bring the same trademark tonality he’s injected songs like the title cut and “As You See” with here, I believe he’s going to see a lot more success on the mainstream side of the industry than he has in previous outings in bands like the Fluids. He’s not necessarily breaking any rules in What is Left of Me, but he’s signifying some outstanding consistency as an artist.
Christian Gardenhire
Album Review
Stephen Stanley unveils a soulful leap into the unknown with his rock-bending brilliance, “Trustfall”

Capitola Christian Music Group (CCMG) proudly unveils “Trustfall,” an emotionally profound and artistically compelling new album by esteemed singer-songwriter Stephen Stanley. This 12-track compilation delves into intricate themes of faith, vulnerability, and self-discovery, characterized by a sophisticated amalgamation of diverse musical genres alongside candid lyrical introspection.
Following his recent accolades and growing prominence in the music industry, Stanley broadens his artistic vision with “Trustfall.” Stanley’s co-written tracks strike a delicate balance between personal reflection and expansive soundscapes. He expresses a spirit of surrender and emotional resilience, inviting listeners to navigate uncertainty through a lens of trust. Stanley encapsulates the album’s essence: “Every song is about trusting God when you have nothing left to hold on to. That is where the transformation begins.”
The album commences with a compelling introductory piece that effectively establishes its thematic ambiance, drawing the audience into Stanley’s introspective narrative. The subsequent track, “Gonna Have to Trust You,” emerges as a notable highlight, featuring a seamless integration of soulful vocals delivered with deep emotional undercurrents. This bold confession articulates the internal tensions associated with doubt while emphasizing faith’s therapeutic potential. This track is a significant touchstone for listeners grappling with life’s uncertainties.
“Hell or High Water,” the soul-baring third track of this phenomenon, is a rock-pop anthem of perseverance, fearlessly distinguished by its sincere lyricism about survival. Succeeding this is “I Still Have You,” a poignant ballad that establishes an emotional resonance through its rhythmic piano motifs. It epitomizes one of the album’s most impactful moments centered on themes of resilience, love, and unwavering loyalty. In the track “Your Heart,” Stanley deftly addresses emotional vulnerability, juxtaposing dynamic instrumental production with evocative lyrics. Conversely, “Not By Sight” offers a contemplative auditory experience, examining nostalgia and the euphoric mystery of faith that extend beyond sensory perception, fostering illumination through introspective discourse.
The intricately orchestrated “This Far Down” and the emotive “In My Blood” further delve into the complexities of redemption, spiritual identity, and the inherent connections within familial lineage. “Don’t wait on me” confronts the unvarnished truths about total reliance, presenting an opportunity for the reclamation of personal narratives. Meanwhile, “Signs” and the penultimate track “Find Some Peace of Mind” continue the album’s thoughtful exploration of emotional truths and the indicative signs of a renewed mindset.
Culminating with the exquisitely crafted title track, “Trustfall,” Stanley ushers listeners toward a moment of contemplative silence, emblematic of the album’s overarching journey. This track represents a sonic catharsis, featuring vulnerable vocals conveying the nuanced dynamics of fragile relationships and the courage to let go. The cohesive narrative arc constructed through these utterly remarkable compositions mirrors Stanley’s passage from adversity to healing and hope, showcasing his evolution as an artist and a storyteller.
With “Trustfall,” Stephen Stanley transcends conventional musical paradigms, blending rock-pop and contemporary Christian ministerial influences interwoven with innovative melodies. This album significantly enriches Stanley’s evolving discography, affirming his status as a visionary within faith-driven rock music and providing a substantive voice in contemporary music. It is an essential listen for those navigating existential uncertainty, seeking fortitude, or yearning for an authentically reflective adventure through Stanley’s doubt, clarity, and spiritual awakening.
For more information about Stephen Stanley, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Stephen Stanley’s Album “Trustfall“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Stephen Stanley | Instagram |
Album Review
LUNA ignites an ethereal pop odyssey with her defiant sophomore album “No Rest”

Expect a significant surge of engagement from music enthusiasts regarding the intricate sonic repertoire crafted by Polish rising phenomenon LUNA, a notable singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, as she opens the floodgates of deep ambition with the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, “No Rest.” This mesmerizing collection of 13-track bang offers an unfiltered exploration of deep feelings, resulting in an immersive auditory experience characterized by euphoric crescendos, poignant introspection, haunting vulnerability, and resilience, all enhanced by dreamlike synthesis and crystalline production.
Written, co-produced, and crafted with passion and brilliance by LUNA, “No Rest” launches 2025 into a realm where genre boundaries dissolve. LUNA’s sonic manifesto pulsates with pop vibrancy and electronic nuance, anchored in her soul-baring lyricism and a kaleidoscope of intimate revelations. Her thunderous return features audaciously articulate and poetically profound delivery that skillfully depicts a dichotomy where survival and hope coexist in tension, amplified by LUNA’s ethereal vocals interwoven with every rhythmic beat.
“This album is a piece of my heart, my soul, and my wildest dreams,” LUNA shares, and indeed, “No Rest” feels like an intimate glimpse into her spirit. It opens with the hypnotic pull of its cinematic anthem, “Wild West,” immediately drawing listeners into a metaphorical expanse ripe with immense potential where boundless ambition is met with necessary sacrifices, framing a reality laden with self-discovery rather than an elusive utopia.
Following this, the album presents the stripped-down, confessional intimacy of “Alive,” a sonic sanctuary for individuals emerging from despair and searching for light post-adversity. Tracks like “Green Light” and “Leonine” illustrate LUNA’s artistic versatility, melding soulful pop melodies with trance-inspired rhythms while upholding lyrical integrity. The internal conflict depicted in “Hideaway” and the nostalgia-infused cadence of “I Got Ya” capture the tender bruises of friendship and unspoken longing, further highlighting the artist’s proficiency in generating intricately constructed layers and dynamically arranged compositions.
Produced by Martin Eriksson Sandmark and expertly mastered by the legendary Stuart Hawkes, the album includes standout tracks like “Endless Sun,” a shimmering post-romantic elegy, and “The Tower,” an empowering anthem celebrating self-realization. “Personal Torture,” written during a reflective phase in Stockholm, delivers a powerful punch of impactful clarity on reclaiming one’s self-worth; it’s LUNA at her most exposed grappling with identity, desire, and liberation. Additionally, the album features other significant pieces such as “Electricity,” “8 am,” and the penultimate track, “Wszystko Gra,” embodying a fearless dive into the paradoxes inherent in contemporary life and love.
The album culminates in an acoustic version of “The Tower,” a meditative coda that leaves a lasting impression. LUNA’s multidisciplinary prowess as a lyricist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist is consistently evident, infusing each note with a unique blend of introspection and artistic innovation. She channels her background in philosophy, fashion, and fearless visual creativity into a cohesive listening experience that appeals intellectually to the mind and emotionally to the heart.
“No Rest” presents an anthemic vignette of ceaseless aspiration, inviting listeners into a soundscape where fantasy collides with reality within the dance music arena. With this release, LUNA is fully awakened and continues to establish herself as a genre-defying storyteller capable of enthralling audiences and stirring spirits alike. This album solidifies her reputation as one of Europe’s most promising musical talents and positions her as a visionary figure within the pop-electronica realm, destined to resonate on global stages.
For more information about LUNA, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM LUNA’s Album “No Rest“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH LUNA | Instagram | Facebook |
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