Boise, Idaho-based singer-songwriter Jesse Blake Rundle has just released his latest full-length album, Wait, Sky. Composed of twelve tracks that combine layered guitar work, analog textures, and intricate rhythms, Wait, Sky blends alt-rock rhythms, experimental textures, and poetic storytelling. This collection of songs marks Jesse Blake Rundle’s evolution as a songwriter, unafraid to explore themes of identity, transformation, and inner conflict,
“This record started as a quiet, personal process,” says Rundle. “But as I worked, a larger story started to emerge—one about power, the roles we take on, and what happens when those identities start to crack.”
Wait, Sky begins with an instrumental intro that will immediately transport you oceanside, leading into a personal album favourite, “depose”. This is a gorgeous vocal-forward song that feels intimate and personal, with a pared-down acoustic sound and emotions laid bare. Raw, real lyrics drive that intimacy home, and the haunting vocal elements that come in halfway through the song add layers of interest. As the song becomes brighter and the energy increases, so does an undeniable catchiness.
Songs like “lost” and “knife” offer mellower dynamics with captivating vocal styles, and a beautiful build to the latter. “anything” adds an indie rock flair to the album, and backup vocals that add balance and shine. The slowburn in the first half of “give” makes way for an intense ending, leading into an instrumental break called “middle, madness” that almost feels like the perfect intermission before listeners dive back into the rest of the album.
There’s a hopeful feel to “light,” which is fitting, given its name. But “color” offers an array of emotions and sounds – as it goes on, the song builds and intensifies, with perfectly placed noise and a feeling of disarray. The layers of sound, from subdued to majestic, make this song an absolute epic.
“continuous, wait” has a boppiness to it that makes you want to move along with it. It’s an accessible sound that would surely be a hit with live audiences. From there, the minimal, lo-fi sound of “afraid” mellows out the album one again, as it culminates in the beautiful instrumental outro, “end sky”.
Overall, Jesse Blake Rundle’s Wait, Sky album has such emotional honesty and an intimate feel; it’s deeply personal. It’s as though the artist is letting listeners in and giving them a glimpse into his deepest fears, hopes, and dreams. While rooted in folk, there’s an alt-rock appeal to many of the songs, and an almost punk ethos – this is an artist creating something unique and compelling, with equal parts depth and nuance.
Stream the Wait, Sky album by Jesse Blake Rundle on your preferred platform:
Spotify / Bandcamp / Apple Music
Follow Jesse Blake Rundle on Instagram & TikTok
__
This review made possible by SubmitHub
