Ro Bergman's Wake is Stronger and Darker Than Coffee

Article by Keir Nicoll

“Wake” is from Ro Bergman's upcoming EP release, entitled Hi-Lo. The album will come out on the 18th of June. This is the third single off the album, after “Yes Yeah,” and “Animal.” This song conjures feral images of animalistic desires in the verses and that asks the question of whether you can “wake” him, soon. He seems to be posing the question of a long slumber that his partner can summon him to consciousness from. The song opens with his falsetto-esque vocals, indicating his readiness to serve in a place where change is good. He puts the philosophical image of a panther in a cave, to describe his mind. Pacing, in darkness.  

The video shows a whole band playing. Listening to the song itself, there is more synth present than an overwhelming instrumental presence. So Bergman comes off a bit more of a pop singer, almost like George Michael but with more of a rock background. There is more of an edgy sense here, as he imagines swimming naked. It seems there is a metaphysical state of mind here that he is referring to and that he could pass from the underwater subconscious, into broad-as-daylight-consciousness. “More beautiful than strange.”

He sings, “Can you wake me up any sooner/It's time for better days.” There seems to be a wish for a time outside of this one, where we could come to meet together in the truth and reality of our existence. His tone is yearning, for a new day. 

His influences call from Beck, Bon Iver, Fink, The Nation and The Verve. If any fans of the latter can spot the psychedelic rock influences, then they should be pleased. There is a serious frontman, as in Beck, happening here. Take a listen to this track on SoundCloud, or Youtube, if you want to have an introduction to the summer anthem, after the cold winter. Bergman has been supported by various publications, such as Rolling Stone, and has earned nearly half a million plays across streaming platforms.  

Listen to Wake here