Go With Strangers is the evocative moniker under which Malaysian musician Eugene San channels his creative energies. Emerging from Kuala Lumpur, San’s musical odyssey has been both diverse and transformative. His earlier ventures saw him delve into the realms of alternative metal with Kojira, explore modern classical and ambient soundscapes as Gene Shanzo, and experiment with electro-pop in Mint Cherry. However, it was during the introspective solitude of the 2021 lockdowns that San found his true calling. A spontaneous cover of Mogwai’s ‘Ritchie Sacramento’ reignited his passion for guitar-driven music, leading to the birth of Go With Strangers. Confronting personal challenges, notably his social anxiety, San took the bold step of becoming the vocalist for his project, marking a significant evolution in his artistic journey.
The debut EP, Finding Ikigai, released in early 2022, was a testament to San’s self-discovery and pursuit of purpose. The term “Ikigai” refers to one’s reason for being, and through tracks like ‘Further’ and ‘In Other Words’, San encapsulated themes of introspection and resilience. This self-produced endeavour showcased his adeptness at blending ambient textures with alternative rock, setting the stage for his subsequent musical explorations.
Fast forward to 2025, and San has unveiled his much-anticipated full-length album, Ave, Reverie. He had this to say about his inspiration for the songs on the album.
“In my adolescent years, I used to sometimes lie down in the middle of a nearby field or park, looking up at the night skies, wondering what is going on in the world out there”
“What is happening in the lives of people I know, and people I have not known, and those that I will never know. No mobile phone, no internet, social media had yet to even exist. And believing that no one around me relates to this strange emotion – It was just this feeling of a cosmic and empty disconnection.”
Let’s dive in and see what we have in store.
The album opens with ‘I’ll Miss You, Never’, a track that immediately immerses you in a textured shoegaze ambiance. Lush, understated vocals beckon with the plea, “just let me in,” while layers of guitar distortion and rhythmic percussion build a crescendo of sound. The chorus, with its harmonious swells, delivers the poignant farewell, “goodbye forever,” encapsulating themes of release and newfound freedom.
Transitioning seamlessly, ‘Breathe In’ suggests a meditative experience. Instead, it’s a full ahead up-tempo rocker. The stop start guitars against those punchy drums are extremely effective whilst the breathy vocals seem to be pulling in the opposite direction. Clever stuff this.
Featuring the ethereal vocals of Freya Pang, ‘Misery (You’ll Never Break Me)’ delves into themes of resilience and self-empowerment. The interplay between San’s instrumentation and Freya’s haunting voice crafts a narrative of overcoming adversity. The song’s dynamic shifts mirror the tumultuous journey from despair to empowerment. This track will resonate deeply with anyone who has faced personal challenges.
A reimagined version of an earlier release from the Finding Ikigai EP, ‘Further’ encapsulates San’s journey of self-discovery. The track’s layered instrumentation and evocative lyrics speak to the quest for purpose and the challenges encountered along the way. The song serves as a bridge between past and present, highlighting the evolution of Go With Strangers’ sound.
Drawing inspiration from the bustling streets of Tokyo, ‘Silence in Shibuya’ juxtaposes the chaos of urban life with moments of serene reflection. The ambient soundscapes transport listeners to a city that never sleeps, yet offers pockets of tranquillity. The track’s ebb and flow mirror the dichotomy of Shibuya’s vibrant energy and hidden sanctuaries.
Another collaboration with Pang, ‘Skylar’ explores themes of longing and connection. The duet’s harmonious blend paints a vivid picture of two souls navigating the complexities of love and distance. The emotive delivery and melodic interplay evoke a sense of yearning, making it a standout track on the album.The guitars are massive on this one with the most delicate lead line threaded through.
‘So, You’re A Dreamer?’ challenges listeners to confront their aspirations and the barriers that hinder them. With its dynamic shifts and thought-provoking lyrics, San prompts a dialogue on the nature of dreams and reality. The song’s crescendo serves as a call to action, urging listeners to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Up next ‘Ride’ is an upbeat anthem that encapsulates the thrill of embracing the unknown. The driving rhythms and soaring melodies mirror the exhilaration of embarking on new adventures without hesitation. It’s a sonic embodiment of spontaneity and the joys of living in the moment. The guitar riff that kicks this track off kills me every time making this my album highlight!
Serving as the album’s penultimate track, ‘Reverie’ delves into the realm of daydreams and the solace they provide. San’s emotive delivery resonates with anyone who’s ever sought refuge in their imagination. The song’s ethereal quality invites listeners to lose themselves in their own reveries.
Closing the album, ‘For You, On These Fields, Forever’ feels like a heartfelt letter to listeners. The expansive soundscapes evoke images of open fields and endless possibilities, leaving one with a sense of hope and continuity. Your patience is rewarded when after four minutes of lulling ambient field recordings we are treated to a beautiful piano take on ‘Reverie’. It’s a fitting conclusion to an album that traverses the landscapes of emotion and introspection.
Ave, Reverie invites listeners into a meticulously crafted sonic landscape, where each track serves as a chapter in an overarching narrative of dreams, introspection, and emotional catharsis.It’s an odyssey through the intricacies of the human experience. San masterfully intertwines personal narratives with universal themes, crafting a sonic tapestry that’s both intimate and expansive. As you journey through each track, you’ll reflect, dream, and ultimately, embrace the reveries that shape our existence.
Ave, Reverie is out now on CD, available via the Go With Strangers Bandcamp page.
You can follow Go With Strangers on social media here …
Discover more from Static Sounds Club
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Static Sounds Club 