There is a dreamlike atmosphere to the opening track, "True Passion Is Like A Storm," from the beginning, even in its pace. There is no hurry here. There are moments in this track when I think of a stylized love scene from some late 1980s movie, where it's done as a montage and there is smoke and unusual lighting, there is that sort of vibe. And then the guitar really takes off. That lead in the middle is exciting, the kind of thing that shifts worlds, just as true passion does. That's followed by "Lifeline." An interesting atmosphere is established early on, with spirits or creatures marching out of the mists to that beat. And there are things falling from the sky, streaking down around us, burning bright, but these obstacles do not impede the forward movement. And the guitar feels like it is somehow reaching across that barrier between life and death, between now and then, with a timeless strength and knowledge, announcing it is here to help. This track also features a really good bass part, particularly that section in the middle. At the end, the music seems to be charging up for another journey, another challenge.
Fernando Perdomo switches to a pretty acoustic sound, a more natural vibe for "The Mayan." This song is dedicated to David Crosby (he owned a boat called The Mayan). It's difficult to believe that more than two years have passed since the world lost him. I am fortunate that I got to see David Crosby in concert several times: in CSN, in CPR and solo. This track features some wonderful guitar work. It gives the sensation of being out in nature, a space and time for reflection, that impression aided by the sound of water running, like a stream. "Safe Harbor" also has a beauty and warmth, with a vibe that is both loving and friendly, comforting, something that makes us feel good. In the second half, it takes us into a more magical land, and we find ourselves at home there. I love the way this music transports us. There is an undeniable passion to "Anything For You," perhaps even a sense of urgency felt at the beginning, like how we feel when a person we love is in need, and we are eager to help, to find a solution, to make everything better right away. It seems that perhaps this guitar can take care of all of us.
The music goes in a different direction with "Dos Mutantes," the title a play on the name of that great Brazilian band Os Mutantes. And, yes, this track certainly has something of an Os Mutantes sound, particularly in the guitar work. This is a very cool and fun track. Fernando Perdomo is having a good time with this one. Fans of Os Mutantes will undoubtedly appreciate this, and for everyone else, this track will probably get you curious about that band, and that's a good thing. "Dos Mutantes" is followed by "The Fifth," which has a kind of cool, somewhat laid-back 1970s vibe with progressive elements, the kind of tune that makes us feel not completely tethered to this planet at times, like we are finding ourselves as parts of constellations, encountering other lifeforms, and then relaxing again. The universe is fine, isn't it?
"The Gulf" makes me think of being at the beach, for it has both that sense of excitement of the ocean along with some soothing elements. There is an energetic pulse running through it. Then "Heaven Appears Before You" is like a delicate dream, a flower opening, having a beauty that is both eternal and ephemeral. Sometimes it seems like all of eternity can exist in a single moment. I suppose it is fitting that this is one of the album's shortest tracks. The album then ends with a rock song, "Pacific Coast Highway," a high-energy, exciting number. The guitar rocks and soars, and at times is quite uplifting. There are some interesting twists and turns here, but at heart this is solid rock number, a delicious jam. When it begins to fade out, you get the feeling this one could have delivered another few minutes of greatness.
CD Track List
- True Passion Is Like A Storm
- Lifeline
- The Mayan
- Safe Harbor
- Anything For You
- Dos Mutantes
- The Fifth
- The Gulf
- Heaven Appears Before You
- Pacific Coast Highway
Waves 3 was released on March 1, 2025.