Fernando Perdomo: “Waves” (2025) CD Review

There are a few musicians who seem productive far beyond what we might consider a reasonable human level. One of them is Fernando Perdomo, who is a guitarist, bass player, singer, composer, producer, session musician, touring musician, and member of several bands. When he’s not been performing or recording with other artists, or producing their records, he’s found the time to release a couple dozen solo albums. His recent release Waves is the first in a series of twelve albums that he plans on releasing monthly (as if he needed to impress us further). He wrote all the material, plays all the instruments, and produced the album. I’m fairly certain that at some point it will be revealed that Fernando Perdomo does not actually sleep, or even require periods of rest, but while the scientists are subsequently studying him, he will end up recording another ten albums, and perhaps even producing the scientists’ work. Fernando Perdomo works in a wide range of musical areas, and the tracks on this release are instrumentals in the progressive rock realm.

The album opens, appropriately enough, with a song titled “In The Beginning (First Wave).” It eases in, like the sun beginning to come up over the horizon after a particularly cold night, and soon grows in power, commanding our attention. The guitar springs to life, like an announcement: I am here! It is glorious, though there are still hints of darkness that the light has yet to vanquish. But streaks of energy sent off in that direction will likely do the trick. Then “Mind Reader” begins with a steady rhythm, insistent and sure, while the guitar has more of a pondering sense. As the track progresses, it begins to feel brighter, more certain, and with some cheer behind it. In the second half, it really takes off, gaining in power, rolling forward with a sense of excitement, with eagerness, with confidence. And we are caught up in that movement, enjoying the ride. That’s followed by “Puzzle Peace,” which begins with a cool new wave pop sound and rhythm, edging on punk, reminding me of some late 1970s and early 1980s music. I immediately love it. How could I not? The guitar then rises above that, adding a different layer, more texture, and a direction to go, upward and outward. After a minute or so, the sound becomes fuller, and it demands that our bodies move, dance. This fun tune is a complete delight, from beginning to end, and is one of my personal favorites.

“Outer Worlds” begins in a mellower place, with an inquisitive, curious vibe, taking us in a different direction. There is a sort of psychedelic element to this one, something magical, and perhaps we are ready to turn inward just as surely as outward, for there are areas to explore in both directions, and things to learn. And it is all done with a relaxed feel. There is no hurry, no stress. The music opens something within us so that we are receptive to new thoughts, new ideas. There is exploration to be done in “The Endless Coast” too, but this time the area to be explored feels more solid, more tangible. We are on sturdy footing here. The land does seem to expand before us, and it is inviting. There is nothing that would turn us away. In the track’s second half, we perhaps slow our steps and decide to focus on one area rather than everything at once. And yet the light comes to us from all points, a somewhat gentle reminder that there is more to do. As we acknowledge that, the track begins to fade out.

“Nova” begins in more familiar territory, among people we know, places we’ve frequented. Of all the tracks on this disc, this is the one that most feels like there could be lyrics, that vocals might enter at any moment. There is a friendly vibe to this track, and I dig that moment when things turn kind of funky. This track features some wonderful guitar work. And then, guess what, there are vocals in the second half, but not at all what we might expect. The voice catches us by surprise, as it comes when the song has become a good jam, when the guitar has led things into delightful territory. The voice actually interrupts the action, “Excuse me, guys,” and announces that the owner of a Chevy Nova has to move his or her car. I love the humor of that moment, and also how it gives the song’s title a totally different meaning from what we’d originally believed. The jam then continues. This track ends up being another of the disc’s highlights. It is followed by “Beautiful Soul.” There is a pleasant, relaxed dance vibe to this number as it begins, with a cheerful sense about it. It feels welcoming, like a crowd ready to embrace someone new, like a warm breeze coming in off a calm sea. Then “My Favorite Feeling” eases in, like remnants of a dream that won’t quite let us slip into the waking world. That guitar soothes us, tells us we can remain here as long as we wish. And so we let go, and let the music take us up in its arms. What could feel better?

Fernando Perdomo switches gears then with “Transcendental Medication” (a title I love, by the way). This one has a strong beat and a cool bass line. It feels like it might develop into almost a straight rock song, but then a more interesting atmosphere settles over that rhythm, and we realize we are on a trip that will take us into lesser known places, yet deliver us there with a steady hand. Led by that great guitar work, we pass through dark seas, exploding stars, sentient winds, all with our eyes wide open and no worry in our hearts. The album then concludes with “Waves At Nightfall.” This one calms us, holds us in its arms and tells us it is quite all right to close our eyes, that the universe means no harm, at least not at the moment. Voices reach us from distant stars, soothing us with timeless wisdom, and reminding us life will be there in the morning, waiting. It seems to say that for now we can take a break, even as it promises there are many things for us to be shown, for us to know. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.

CD Track List

1. In The Beginning (First Wave)
2. Mind Reader
3. Puzzle Peace
4. Outer Worlds
5. The Endless Coast
6. Nova
7. Beautiful Soul
8. My Favorite Feeling
9. Transcendental Medication
10. Waves At Nightfall

Waves was released on January 1, 2025.