Arctic Wave have always been hard to pin down. One minute they’re surging through indie-rock terrain with cinematic force, the next they’re leaning into polished alt-pop with a soulful undercurrent. But on ‘Pure and Open’, the Austin collective dial back the drama and steps into something warmer. The result is a sun-kissed slice of reggae-pop that feels like exhaling after a long, heavy week.
Gone are the walls of fuzz and the stormier moods of past releases. In their place come rolling rhythms, gentle guitar upstrokes, and a vocal performance that floats with unforced ease. This is proof that Arctic Wave can shift gears without losing their centre. ‘Pure and Open’ is about soul, and letting the message shine through in every laid-back groove and breezy hook.
At the heart of the track is C.L.Turner’s verses, which unfold with the cadence of lived-in truth, every word carrying the weight of someone who’s seen what conditional love costs and is ready to ask for more. The standout lyric, “Experience is the best teacher and I got so many sermons I could be a preacher”, lands not as braggadocio, but as a nod to the hard-earned wisdom that underpins the entire song.
What elevates ‘Pure and Open’ further is its ensemble. The reggae groove is delivered with finesse, thanks in no small part to contributions from veteran collaborators who know their way around sun-drenched sounds. From the rhythmic subtlety of the keys to the polished guest vocal that slips effortlessly into the mix, every piece of this track feels intentional and organic.
The track invites us into a slower moment, a breath of fresh air in an overproduced world. And just when it could drift too far into easy listening territory, the breakdown re-centres things with a cheeky Marley reference (Although it’s a wink than a copy).
Coming off a string of genre-hopping singles and staring down the release of two full-length albums in one year, Arctic Wave are clearly moving with purpose. But ‘Pure and Open’ shows they’re also moving with heart. In a world too often defined by cynicism, this track dares to be sincere. It’s a reminder that joy doesn’t have to be loud, and that sometimes, the boldest thing a band can do is simply let the light in.
