Wisp – ‘If Not Winter’: Ambitious and Vulnerable Pop Shoegaze Album Review

Explore Wisp's ‘If Not Winter,’ a pop shoegaze album blending ambition with heartfelt vulnerability for a captivating listening experience.

From Viral Sensation to Shoegaze Spotlight

In 2023, Wisp skyrocketed to fame with a song that became a groundbreaking moment in shoegaze history. The track, Your Face, was recorded on iPhone earbuds over a YouTube producer’s instrumental and instantly struck a chord. Imagine a lost Deftones track with a delicate alt-pop twist—that’s the magic Natalie Lu, then just 18, brought to life. This viral TikTok hit wasn’t a one-off; it was the start of a swift rise. Signing with Interscope, opening for Slowdive, and even playing Coachella, Wisp's momentum kept growing. Her 2024 debut EP Pandora proved that Your Face was far from a fluke, showcasing her evolving artistry and emotional depth.

If Not Winter: A Bold Leap Forward

Wisp’s first full-length album, If Not Winter, shakes off any lingering mystery and firmly places Natalie Lu in the spotlight. The album’s artwork and music videos cast her as a medieval fantasy heroine, a visual narrative that perfectly complements the rich, atmospheric soundscapes she creates.

Take the lead single Sword — here, Wisp’s ambitions shine through with more refined arrangements and a crystal-clear mix. The chorus hooks you immediately with emotional lyrics that set the tone for the album:

“When is it my turn to not live in fear? / What are you afraid of?”

This track shows a leap in confidence and songwriting, letting listeners glimpse the heart of Wisp’s creative journey.

Mastering Pop Shoegaze with Emotional Nuance

Songs like Mesmerized, Breathe onto Me, and Save Me Now demonstrate how Wisp has perfected the formula she started on Pandora. These tracks hit you first with a wall of metallic power chords and drums, classic shoegaze elements, but it’s Lu’s vocals that pull you deeper. Her voice is small yet powerful — like a whisper revealing intimate thoughts while simultaneously hiding behind them. This delicate balance of vulnerability and strength fits perfectly with the album's title, inspired by a collection of Sappho’s poetry.

Experimenting Beyond Boundaries

The most captivating moments on If Not Winter happen when Wisp steps outside typical genre lines. On Guide Light, for example, the guitars channel a dreamy, My Bloody Valentine-inspired vibe that slows to a mesmerizing crawl midway. This segues beautifully into Latvia, an ambient interlude filled with soothing birdsong that offers a breath of fresh air.

The title track is a lush emo ballad that gently fades into lonely piano notes, showcasing perhaps Lu’s strongest songwriting yet:

“My hands are turning blue / But my heart only knows to ruin / I’m not someone that chose to wound.”

These experimental touches enrich the album, providing texture and emotional layers that linger long after the last note fades.

Perfect Pop Shoegaze, But Room to Grow

At its core, If Not Winter is masterful pop shoegaze. It’s structured around Lu’s crisp vocal melodies first, with poignant lyrics a close second, and lush atmospheric production rounding out the sound. Nearly every track has its own single-worthy charm, though the album’s cohesive wall of sound can sometimes blur individual songs into one another.

Still, this debut is a resounding triumph — an honest snapshot of a young artist in the process of discovering and embracing her unique voice.

Album Details

• Release Date: August 1, 2025
• Record Label: Interscope/Music Soup

Experience Wisp's compelling blend of pop and shoegaze with If Not Winter, an album full of emotional depth, ambition, and intimate vulnerability.

Watch the Official Music Video for "Sword"

Enjoy Wisp's captivating visuals and sound in the official music video for Sword below:

Final Thoughts

Wisp’s If Not Winter is a journey through lush soundscapes and sincere emotional expression. It’s pop shoegaze with a fresh voice—both ambitious and intimately vulnerable. Are you ready to immerse yourself in Wisp's world and discover what makes her music so captivating?

Frequently Asked

• What makes Wisp’s music unique in the shoegaze genre? Wisp blends traditional shoegaze’s wall of sound with crisp, emotionally charged vocals and pop-inspired melodies, creating a fresh and accessible sound.
• What inspired the title If Not Winter? The album title references a collection of Sappho’s poetry, reflecting themes of vulnerability, longing, and emotional complexity.
• How does If Not Winter build on Wisp’s previous work? It expands on the sound and emotional depth introduced in her debut EP Pandora, with more refined production and ambitious songwriting.
• Are there standout tracks on the album for new listeners? Sword, Mesmerized, and the title track If Not Winter are great starting points to experience Wisp’s blend of shoegaze and pop.
• Where can I listen to or purchase Wisp’s album? If Not Winter is available on major streaming platforms and for purchase through Interscope/Music Soup.

Ready to bring Wisp’s captivating artistic vision into your home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store and keep the music alive visually!