Album Review: Wildernesses – Growth (Floodlit Recordings)

Wildernesses, the atmospheric alternative rock, post rock, and shoegaze band, will release their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Growth’, on March 27th, 2026, via Floodlit Recordings.

I think this might be the most beautiful thing I’ve heard in a very long time.

I suspected as much though and not just because of the singles heard so far. I suspected I was going to be madly in love with this record because every part of Wildernesses appeals to me. I adore post, gazey-infused alternative rock that comes with a gargantuan amount of feeling. I adore dramatics and heaviness that comes from the weight of melody. I adore an experience that is painfully honest, exceptionally personally, and effortlessly relatable too.

Putting it simply, I could listen to music that makes me want to cry all day long. It is my happy place, if that makes sense, and Wilderness’ Growth makes me want to cry.

So, where to start? Wildernesses combined creativity is staggering, but so much of what makes this album potent is vocalist and guitarist, Phillip Morris. It’s his life on show here. From having to step away from music years ago to care for his mother, to his work in the NHS as a mental health professional, Philip bares all. This is what gives the album its emotional weight and even if you can’t directly relate, you will understand.

I do find myself a little overwhelmed writing about it, if I’m honest. How do I convey the strength of feeling that such a record has? How do I explain to you that this album equally made me sink into a pit of despair and soar high on winds of elation? It’s one of those experiences that I think everyone should have at least once, even if you’re the type of person who prefers music to be a bit less mindful.

This is an opportunity to experience something so unique and I promise you, it won’t take long for the album to have an effect. In fact, it will take one… maybe two tracks. Sleepless, a haunting introduction with blossoming post power, and Happy Hollow, a gorgeous example of nostalgic subtly and how Philip’s voice works in tandem with the instrumental melodies. I love the former, but I really love the latter.

You’re sold, right?

Then get ready for something a bit livelier with [dread.]. A track with coiled tension that unleashes in noisy fashion. Then get ready to sink into the mire of English Darkness and wallow in the hypnotic gaze of Terrible Bloom. Here, Wildernesses expand their soundscape and showcase a touch of progressive thinking alongside a bevy of alternative elements that draw from the worlds of pop and indie too.

It’s an incredibly immersive listen, and the latter part of the record features some of the strongest tracks of all. From the way in which Maintenance initially wraps itself around in comforting fashion, before disorientating somewhat with a grand explosion of eye-widening intensity. To the way Cassino sets a soothing scene that had me thinking of softer moments from Twin Peaks. Just me?

The track that put them on the map, Four Hour Drive is a hefty penultimate effort with immense infectious aspects, turning six minutes of music into a quarter of that through the sheer power of its beauty. Yet, as much as I like this track, I found myself eagerly waiting what comes next. It’s Summertime, 1917 and even though it was released as a single a couple of month ago, it still holds such a special place in my heart. Maybe even more as I’ve had tons of time to unpack it all.

A track based around hidden love letters unearthed during a house renovation, it’s got a sadness behind it, but one that comes with a healthy dose of positive reflection. Lives lived, one way or another, and history that can be traced, for better or worse. It’s my favourite track on the album, and all because the laidback instrumentals are filled with emotional power, it has haunting vocals that touch the soul, and atmosphere that creates an unforgettable environment. Gorgeous.

I’m not even going to pretend that there’s dust in here. These tears? The consequence of Growth and how Wildernesses have made me feel.

Wildernesses – Growth Track Listing:

1. Sleepless
2. Happy Hollow
3. [dread.]
4. English Darkness
5. Terrible Bloom
6. Maintenance
7. Cassino
8. Four Hour Drive
9. Summertime, 1917

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