Wise John, a talent based in the USA, has recently shared the ethereal indie folk ballad “the End is gonna come”, an enchanting composition that intricately weaves dreamlike textures and contemplative themes into its musical fabric.

Central to the song is a warm and mellifluous fingerpicking pattern on the acoustic guitar, accompanied by a subtle lo-fi vinyl crackle that lends a touch of vintage chill. As the track unfolds, these tones undergo a gradual transformation, shifting into brighter and cleaner notes. The song’s beauty lies in its stripped-back simplicity, with carefully applied instrumental layers creating a captivating interplay of dreamy textures.

The lap steel emerges with sweet, crying tones at precisely the right moments, infusing the track with a comforting nostalgia. A hazy layer, reminiscent of a flute mellotron, delicately weaves through the composition, serving as a unifying element. Beyond conventionality, the song introduces subtle touches of ambient textures and trippy soundscapes, adding an intriguing psychedelic undercurrent.

Wise John’s vocal performance is a sincere companion to the song’s atmosphere. His intimate and warm tones seem to effortlessly glide above the chilled musical canvas, evoking a campfire-like intimacy. Yet, this comforting surface belies the song’s underlying lyrical depth, exploring themes of fear associated with mortality and the impending end of the world.

In “the End is gonna come”, lush and contrasting tones abound. While the soothing nature of the music may draw comparisons to the stylings of Nick Drake, it is Wise John’s sweet vocals that truly shine, transforming the track into an indie folk gem that demands attention and introspection. This ballad is a must-listen, offering a profound journey through its sonic landscapes and poetic reflections on the nature of existence.