Ever since Wall Of Trophies made their way into our inbox back in 2016, the notion of hope no longer seemed impossible. After releasing their critically-praised debut album, Heliograph, the duo – comprised of Brittany Jean and Will Copps – have showed us that sometimes our darkest moments are there to guide and help others feel less alone.
With sophomore release, Semaphore, the art of sending a message through music has never been more vibrant and healing. WoT never shied away from raw emotion, which is what drew us towards their music initially, but this album takes things a step further. If Heliograph was about pain and finding the light at the end of the tunnel, Semaphore is an exceptional return to that theme but with more grit, experience, and stories waiting to be told with no apologies.
The masters of painting a picture through sound, Semaphore opens up with “Girl On A Train” – a rather risky track to open an album with, but there’s no denying that this album means business. An ode to breaking free from your demons and steering clear of destructive paths, “Girl On A Train” is only a preface of what is yet to come.
First single, “Something,” is classic WoT through and through with a clarity that only comes with experience and watching the unthinkable happen. Written mostly by Copps after learning about the suicide of a friend, “Something” dives deep into a simple truth not many of us see while in the midst of depression: focusing on yourself and your happiness is all we need. The rest will come naturally and there is always hope, even when we can’t see the big picture. A moment of clarity sets in during the chorus: “If there’s something you want, then take it” – added by Jean who shared, “…just a little bit of mischief from a woman who is not in her 20’s anymore. Some days I think- you want something? Just f**king make it happen. No time to waste.”
If the bubbling synths of “Left Behind” don’t leave you starry-eyed, check your pulse! With an underlying message of moving on, listeners are transported into a sense of being in your own head while refusing to accept what your mind already knows as the heart refuses; a perfect placing after the acoustic ballad, “Army” – a longing tale of unrequited love and longing.
“Not Your Home” puts things in a simplistic perspective in a way we all could benefit from. When asked if certain issues will matter five years from now, we are forced to put whatever may be weighing us down to the side while choosing happiness and setting the right priorities.
“The District,” however, takes the album to new heights. Delving into pride for one’s home and anger of what others are turning it into, the duo’s DC roots ring true in this one. “Your words are never pretty / That’s how you know we’ll hear / But this is not your city and we don’t want you here” – a bold yet humble statement on our current political climate that is sure to become an immediate fan favorite.
Chilling and unforgiving, “Careb,” comes barreling in with all its dark, synthy glory and we are so here for it! More of an anthem of forgetting but not exactly forgiving while finding the strength to walk away from a toxic situation, play this one at full volume when feeling powerless and we guarantee that feeling will evaporate.
Album highlight is without a doubt the instrumental track, “Beyond,” and that is exactly where it will transport you. Encompassing the entire sound of the record, “Beyond” is both dark and uplifting set to a stormy, atmospheric vibe that embodies all the emotions that come with evolving while effortlessly segueing right into album closer, “Know Me” – a sweet love song sung by Copps and held in the hearts of fans and friends alike.
If Semaphore represents anything, it is strength. Strength is often found in the darkness, thus morphing into love, support, and wisdom. Semaphore is a message to listeners everywhere that there is always hope and a hand to hold, even if it feels as if you are standing alone.
Semaphore is available now here.
