Tommy Champion's "Wait For Me" is a haunting introduction to the themes of phases

In "Wait For Me," the first single from his long-anticipated album *Phases & Stasis*, Tommy Champion draws us into a storm of memory and mourning with a whisper rather than a bang. The track embodies a timeless quality, paying homage to the storytelling intimacy of Nick Drake while embracing the experimental ambition of early Sufjan Stevens. However, "Wait For Me" is not just an homage; it stands alone as a living piece of art: patient, emotional, and unafraid to take its time.

The song opens uniquely with a spoken-word voice memo from Champion's late godfather, Norwegian sea captain Reidulf Maalen. This intimate, raw recording captures a deeply human moment from their final visit before Maalen's passing. It sets the tone for where Champion intends to take us with this new record: into the depths of emotion, unafraid of silence or sentiment.

"Wait For Me" evolves into a soft rock elegy, layered with haunting vocals and a soul-stirring arrangement that builds without ever overwhelming the listener. McClendon's dreamlike and understated lead vocals blend seamlessly with Emma Rae's delicate textures. The entire piece floats, allowing emotion to seep in through every echo and subtle shift in percussion. After three years in the making, *Phases & Stasis* promises genre-blurring beauty, and if this first track is any indication, Champion is poised to offer something truly worth experiencing.