BIG WILD: WILD CHILD
By Dylan Sheridan
Big Wild; Wild Child Album Review
Saying farewell so soon? Maybe what Big Wild is really saying goodbye to is a past version of himself, reborn here through new music. His latest album, Wild Child, opens with the psychedelic dreamscape of “Farewell,” a winding introduction that flows seamlessly into “Universe” (feat. iDA HAWK), a bright, uplifting track that feels like the discovery of soul-to-soul connection.
“Stardust” lives up to its name with ethereal vocals and a killer bass line that closes the song on a high. It drifts perfectly into “Anymore” featuring Twen, one of the strongest tracks on the record. Its steady build and euphoric breakdown make it an instant playlist add, reminiscent of early Tame Impala.
The album takes a breather with Track 5, where acoustic guitar and layered vocals recall the atmospheric glow of Empire of the Sun. It feels like something you’d stumble upon in an intimate club on a starlit night.
Then comes “Earth Orgy”, a kaleidoscope of early 2000s energy, textured synths, fizzling effects, and reverb-soaked vocals. It’s a track worth sitting with, layered with enough sonic twists and turns to get lost in.
“Gotta Love Her” shifts gears into funky, guitar-driven romance before flowing into “You Belong Here,” the album’s midpoint and a standout in its own right. Slow and hypnotic, it sneaks in a euphoric mid-song drop before giving way to “Canyon,” a gentle acoustic jam that has quickly become a fan favorite for good reason.
From there, the energy lifts again with “Carousel,” playful and whimsical, built on industrial synths and a carnival-like charm.
Features are crucial on a project like this, and Big Wild lands a perfect collaboration with Phantogram. Their contribution brings revolving beats and club-ready pacing, underscored by the relatable lyric, “The music is too loud, too loud on the dance floor.” It captures that universal moment of being immersed—maybe overwhelmed—by live sound.
The album closes with two more turns on the ride: “Aria. It’s Time” begins as a ballad before flipping into a full-on dance track, and “Strangeland” serves as the fitting exit, like walking through a gift shop after the rollercoaster ends.
Altogether, Wild Child strikes a unique balance between psychedelic rock and EDM. Its sound is both expansive and intimate, experimental yet accessible. It leaves one major question hanging in the air: how will this translate live? With the growing popularity of this hybrid style, it’s safe to say Big Wild is right where he needs to be. Catch him on the Wild Child tour this September through October and see the journey for yourself.
