7/10
There’s a sense of release running through 'Voltage' that feels hard-earned. It’s an album that explores a space between acoustic and electronic elements, and it rarely settles into one mode for too long.
At the centre of the record is the interplay between Wytold and Jerry Tolk. The six-string cello acts as both melodic lead and rhythmic foundation, often looped and layered into dense, evolving structures. Around it, guitar lines cut through with a blues-leaning edge, while percussion adds a tactile, human pulse. It’s a setup that allows the duo to move fluidly between chamber-like precision and something far more immediate.
Tracks such as opener 'Or Will You' establish the album’s emotional framework early. There’s a quiet urgency in its central question, carried by harmonies that feel open but unresolved. From there, the record expands outward. The title-track shifts into a more tense and kinetic aesthetic, driven by a sense of internal friction. It’s one of several moments where the duo let texture and rhythm take the lead.
Elsewhere, 'Golden Light' provides a point of stillness. Built around a softer vocal presence, it introduces a more reflective tone by offering a brief sense of clarity within the album’s broader arc. While 'Carrots' stands out for its origin and emotional shift. What begins as a simple, almost playful idea evolves into something far more considered, marking a turning point in the record’s progression.
Production also plays a significant role in shaping the experience. Mixed in immersive formats, the album emphasises depth and spatial detail, though it never loses sight of the core performances. Even at its most layered, there’s a clarity that keeps us grounded.
As a whole, 'Voltage' feels like a deliberate step forward for the pairing. It expands the duo’s sound without losing its identity, balancing technical ambition with emotional accessibility. In doing so, Wytold & Tolk deliver an exploration of what can happen when different musical languages are allowed to coexist and evolve.
