This autumn sees the release of Other Words Fail Me, the debut album of London‘s Ella Walker, AKA WILDES. Writing of previous single ‘Woman in Love‘, we described how WILDES “confronts suppressed emotions with an unerring eye,” the vocals drifting through smoky layers so that what starts out as something “stripped-back and taut eventually blossom[s] into something lush and soulful.” The empowered tone is indicative of a record unapologetic in its intentions, one laser-focused on being exactly what it needed to be. Both in its reflective folk lulls and cinematic peaks, Other Words Fail Me finds Walker with a newfound clarity.
New single ‘Far and Wide’ is no different. “[The song] is a celebration of friendship,” Walker explains. “It reflects the madness and uncertainty of early adulthood and the constant change and turbulence we all go through.” As with all things possessed for any length of time, it can be easy to take relationships for granted, especially amid the tumult life throws at you. The track is a re-engagement with friendship on its plainest terms, recognising it as a wonder and privilege. As Walker continues:
After neglecting them for a long time, I realised how constant and secure my friendships had become. They saved me, melting away my shame and holding me when I couldn’t cope. Banding together against our shared, frenzied existences, it dawned on me that these loving and intimate friendships were more valuable than any boyfriend had ever been. The constant support and unconditional love of these people is the reason I am here today. So this is a love letter to those friends who saved me – I would do anything for you.”
The song comes complete with a video filmed and directed by Walker herself which you can check out below.
If you want a soul to fight beside
I will follow far and wide
Sleepless nights and all the tears we’ve cried
Oh I will follow far and wide
Other Words Fail Me is out 7th October via AWAL. ‘Far and Wide’ is available at all the usual places.
