Johan Hoffman's newest single, Waves, is a mesmerizing meditation with a sense of intimacy and bigness in it. Voice, guitar, and a tiny bit of Moog make a rare song; it was recorded live without any loops, clicks, or digital grids, which gives the song an unforgettably organic energy. Every strum, every vocal phrase is happening in real time and has a raw honesty that is palpable and connects with listeners instantly.
The minimalist nature of the arrangement doesn't fill the space; it feels like an invitation into an ocean of currents that hypnotically drift the listener into conscious awareness. Saint Augustine once said that "the mind is like a wind, that can be felt but not held." The primary guitar riff is the wind in the sail and, yet, circles the idea with a quiet hovering presence. Hoffman’s vocal sensation ebbs and flows more akin to a tide. The lyrics explore themes of wonder, existence, and connection as a meditative exploration that journeys beyond the self. More than that, the chorus grounds us in the moment, an agreement that the swirling is less important than accepting it in the unknown.
As the third single from Hoffman’s forthcoming album Day One (out October 3), Waves manages to be both cinematic and personal, making it appropriate for late-night listening as well as introspection. It is a song that shows less can be more, creating expansiveness through restraint. Johan Hoffman does not simply compose music in Waves, but creates a mood that hangs in the air long after the last note has evaporated.