Fernando Perdomo: “Waves 2” (2025) CD Review

This year started with a great new release from the always-busy songwriter and musician and producer Fernando Perdomo. Titled Waves, it featured all original instrumental material in the progressive rock world. It was also the first in a projected series of twelve albums, a new one coming out each month this year. That is something that would be a daunting task for most artists, but not for Fernando Perdomo, who will undoubtedly find the time to produce several other albums as well during this time. The second volume in the series, Waves 2, was released on February 1st. As on the first volume, this one features all original material, with Fernando Perdomo playing all the instruments. He also produced the album.

“Brothers Of The Ocean,” the album’s first track, begins with a short vocal section that has a hint of a Beach Boys flavor, and then kicks in with a powerful burst of color and energy, dropping us right into the action. We sense great streaks of light across wide open spaces, and there is a sort of rock opera overture vibe at moments. Halfway through this track, there is a momentary change, taking shorter, slower steps in an interesting dance, before going back into the main theme of the piece. There seems to be a large, bright force at work here, with a world of possibilities opening before us. This track fades out, and is followed by “Journey On A River.” As this one opens, there is the sound of water flowing, and then the track quickly takes on a good rock energy, the drums leading us in. There is some great stuff on both bass and guitar, and I especially appreciate how the guitar lifts us up. And as the title suggests, there is a strong sense of motion, of a journey, one taken with some haste, as well as some cheer. There is an overall positive feel to this track, and that is part of what makes it so appealing.

There is a gentler, more introspective feel to “Queenstown” as it begins. A relaxing, soothing atmosphere is created, over which the guitar is able to ponder, to remember, and to pull us along into those memories, and in doing so makes them our own. This is a pretty track. Interestingly, there is a moment when it seems ready to come to its natural, gentle conclusion, but then suddenly bursts open into another section, the guitar now calling more energy to the telling of its story. The music does relax again, and this time the ending is real. Then there is something magical about the way “Sea To Sea” opens. It settles into a rather soothing space, presenting an opportunity for us to ease back, close our eyes, and let our thoughts take us to a more appealing time, perhaps one of memory, perhaps one of our own creation. All motions here are friendly, loving, and there is no conversation, and so no chance of misunderstanding or argument. It’s wonderful. It is followed by “Black Mountain, Blue Sky.” As this one begins, it seems to promise a magical landscape too, and then suddenly kicks in with a stronger, more grounded sound, the song having a strong pulse. Here we are not alone, the music working to gather people in. It begins to slow toward the end, to unwind. A stranger door unexpectedly opens in front of us as the track reaches its conclusion, and we glimpse once again that magical landscape.

“Everything Under The Sun” has a lighter, more fun sense about it, and I find myself smiling throughout this track. It takes us up the mountainside, with a good deal of joy, and lets us slide back down, or dance back down, if we wish. There is some really good guitar work on this track. This one fades out all too soon. Then “Calm For Now” has a more meditative air, with a somewhat darker, heavier atmosphere. The guitar is the light piercing it, becoming familiar, something we grab hold of and let take us where it will. This track also features some wonderful stuff on bass. That is followed by “This Appearing Act.” There is a 1960s feel to this track, particularly in the guitar work, which drives the music forward. In the second half, there is an unexpected moment where things seem to shut down, to melt in the machinery, then just as quickly find their footing again and continue. One note: on the CD case, the titles of those two tracks, “This Appearing Act” and “Calm For Now,” are reversed.

“Alone By The Ocean” has something of a Pink Floyd vibe as it begins. Sometimes being alone at the ocean can be incredibly soothing, peaceful, and sometimes we find ourselves moving through the possibilities and choices of our lives, and there might be something lamented, which the guitar seems to express here. There is a lot going on in this piece, a lot of energy, and perhaps decisions are reached regarding the direction of our lives. The track gains power in the second half, as it drives forward, and some interesting electronic effects give it another layer. Then “Sunset In Queenstown” takes us to a much prettier place, and features some absolutely wonderful guitar work. This track reflects on the day with some satisfaction and joy, and also looks out toward the horizon, toward tomorrow, and somehow we know it’s going to be okay. It’s a beautiful conclusion to the album.

CD Track List

1. Brothers Of The Ocean
2. Journey On A River
3. Queenstown
4. Sea To Sea
5. Black Mountain, Blue Sky
6. Everything Under The Sun
7. Calm For Now
8. This Appearing Act
9. Alone By The Sea (3 AM)
10. Sunset In Queenstown

Waves 2 was released on February 1, 2025. By the way, for those in the Los Angeles area, I just learned that Fernando Perdomo is going to take part in Busk-Aid L.A., a benefit for wildfires relief that is going to be held on March 30th in Echo Park. That promises to be an excellent day of music.