Wylderness has been carving out its place in shoegaze history ever since earning airtime on BBC Radio. On their new EP, Safe Mode, the band masterfully blends dreamy shoegaze textures with indie-rock sensibilities to evoke an unmistakable feeling of home.

The title track, “Safe Mode,” unfolds like a warm welcome. Hailing from Chile—a country where music still feels raw and unfiltered—Wylderness layers sweet acoustic and electric guitar lines over a grounded rhythm section. The drums and bass create a subtle, driving pulse, while the vocalist’s sincere delivery carries an air of melancholy that invites listeners to revisit their fondest memories: the comfort of home-cooked meals or afternoons spent at Grandma’s.

That melancholic quality isn’t sorrowful; rather, it opens a window onto nostalgia, the sweet ache of remembering moments when joy and longing intertwined. At the same time, the EP feels remarkably of-the-moment. The band isn’t chasing current trends so much as reviving the best of ’90s indie and shoegaze—reawakening textures and production choices that still resonate with today’s wider audience.

When the groove settles in, it’s hard not to drift off—or even dance. There’s a faint echo of Earth, Wind & Fire’s irresistible pull, yet rendered through a haze of reverb and delay that feels unmistakably shoegaze.

The Soul of Wales
Though Wylderness travels far beyond the British Isles, the spirit of Wales runs deep in their music. The misty landscapes and rugged coastlines of their adopted home imbue the EP with an authentic, introspective vibe. Whether you’re a shoegaze devotee or an indie-rock newcomer, there’s an earnestness here that feels rooted in place and community.

Track Breakdown

• “Big Idea” opens the EP with a laid-back, lo-fi studiousness—perfect for late-night listening or focused work sessions.
• “Is It Summer?” and “What Happens to the Rain” conjure the bittersweet end of a coastal road trip—think wind-whipped windows, sunglasses-on-backroads moments, and that final day of freedom before summer’s close. Their wistful melodies and shimmering guitars paint the Pembrokeshire Coast or Oregon shoreline in vivid tones.
• “Sun Scream” transports you to an intimate, tucked-away venue where the stage and the audience merge. It crackles with an exotic energy, as though the walls might shake from the volume alone.

Seeing the Music Through a Lens
As a concert photographer and blogger, I’m drawn to music that tells a story both sonically and visually. To capture Wylderness live, I’d start wide with a 20 mm lens, soaking in the stage, the lighting, and the crowd. Then I’d switch to 35 mm for action shots—guitarists locked in motion, drum fills caught mid-air—and finally to an 85 mm to isolate raw emotion: the sweat, the intensity, the connection between performer and listener. My goal would be to immerse viewers in the same safe, enveloping space that the EP invites them into.

“Safe Mode” as Sanctuary
Safe Mode isn’t just a clever title; it’s a reminder that music can be refuge. This EP demonstrates that crafting memorable songs goes beyond writing lyrics or chord changes—it’s about forging a bond with listeners, creating a space where they can feel understood. For me, both as a photographer and a fan, it’s a safe haven—a reminder of why we gravitate toward art that resonates on a deeper level.

An Invitation
If you’ve read this far, give Safe Mode your full attention. Don’t rush through it. Play it on your morning jog or during the commute to work, and let Wylderness guide you back to that place that feels like home.