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Review: Tucker Wetmore blends styles & sounds on new EP ‘Waves on a Sunset’

Washington-born singer-songwriter Tucker Wetmore is rapidly emerging as one of country music’s breakout stars for 2024, with back-to-back Billboard Hot 100 hits and over 400 million streams in just six months. Wetmore's debut singles, ‘Wine Into Whiskey' and ‘Wind Up Missin' You,' have earned RIAA GOLD certification, and his music is climbing the Country Airplay charts.

This year Wetmore toured with Kameron Marlowe, joined Luke Bryan’s FARM TOUR 2024, and is set to headline his own Waves on a Sunset Tour before supporting Thomas Rhett on the BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR 2025. Recently named Billboard’s May Country Rookie of the Month, Wetmore signed a major-label deal with UMG Nashville and Back Blocks Music, made his Grand Ole Opry debut, and contributed to the Twisters soundtrack – all before the release of his debut EP ‘Waves on a Sunset,' which is out today, Friday October 4th.

‘Waves on a Sunset' marks an impressive entrance into the modern country scene, blending classic storytelling with contemporary production styles that reflect his cross-genre influences. The eight-track project showcases Wetmore’s versatility, moving seamlessly from laid-back, nostalgic tunes to darker, more introspective pieces that mirror the emotional depth of his lyrics.

The opener, ‘Silverado Blue,' sets the tone with a beachy, breezy vibe reminiscent of Old Dominion. It’s a relaxed reflection on lost love, with Wetmore's warm vocals evoking the melancholy of a girl who left town, leaving him stranded in memories. ‘Wine Into Whiskey' takes a darker turn, with its Morgan Wallen-inspired, atmospheric chorus and R&B rhythms. Wetmore spins a clever twist here, realising he’s the cause of the heartbreak he sings about, delivering one of the EP’s standout emotional moments.

‘You, Honey' shifts gears with its bright, upbeat guitar line and simple drums, crafting a breezy love song that’s straightforward but undeniably catchy. It’s followed by ‘Wind Up Missin’ You,' a modern country ballad with sleek production and relatable lyrics about self-improvement and the uncertainty of rekindled love. The track feels tailored for a younger audience, with its clever mix of modern sentiment and traditional country themes.

The EP’s standout highlight, ‘Break First,' rides on 80s-inspired electronic production with punchy rhythms and a sharp cadence, adding a fresh twist to Nashville’s current sonic trends. Wetmore’s exploration of romantic uncertainty hits hard here, appealing directly to millennial and Gen Z listeners. Elsewhere, ‘When I Ain’t Lookin’ follows with a more reflective tone, celebrating personal growth and gratitude, enriched by a mix of pedal steel and modern production.

‘What Would You Do?' stands out as another high point, with its dark, dramatic feel and emotionally charged lyrics. Wetmore’s introspection here is matched by bold production, blending snappy R&B drums and a heavy bass line with a guitar solo that keeps things interesting. The EP closes on a traditional note with ‘Mister Miss Her,' a haunting, mostly acoustic track steeped in classic country heartbreak, rounding out the project with poignant simplicity.

In ‘Waves on a Sunset,' Wetmore strikes a fine balance between tradition and innovation, positioning himself as a promising new voice in country music with a keen ability to connect across generations. Each track reflects a different side of his musical personality, making for a dynamic debut that leaves listeners eager for more.

Tracklist: 1. Silverado Blue 2. Wine into Whiskey 3. You, Honey 4. Wind Up Missin You 5. Break First 6. When I Ain't Lookin' 7. What Would You Do? 8. Mister Miss Her Record Label: UMG Nashville and Back Blocks Music Release Date: October 4th Buy ‘Waves on a Sunset' right here.

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