Fernando Perdomo’s year-long , ‘Waves’ series reaches the 100 songs milestone, and a bit of a quandary. Perdomo has consistently provided engaging songs on these albums. A lesser artist would have included some fillers among the ten songs on each album; yet, reviewing the prior nine albums, Perdomo has kept true to his vision of a progressive ocean/water theme instrumental. The quandary is that Perdomo, via his Bandcamp page, https://fernandoperdomo.bandcamp.com/merch, has announced a remixed best-of ‘Waves’ release upon completion of ‘Waves 12’. The quandary is how Perdomo will decide what to include on the deluxe single CD release. 

His October release, ‘Waves 10,’ does not make the decision any easier. Here are my favorite five songs from the album. 

“Posiden”, the opening track on ‘Waves 10 is one frontrunner from the album for inclusion. Perdomo, still employing his one-man band, utilizes an intriguing soundcape of electric guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers as the bedrock of the songs.  Multitracked electric guitar leads and slightly behind-the-beat drumming flesh out the sprawling song before Perdomo’s electric guitar makes a big statement as the song crashes onto shore. 

“Abandon Mansion in Decay” is an acoustic guitar gem that evokes Steve Howe during his “Time” album period. It has delicately picked passages, then ramps up to an aggressively strummed section. Perdomo’s arrangement is as dynamic as his playing. 

“The Caress” is a weird and wonderful trip. The fretless bass takes center stage, accompanied by Wurlitzer-like keyboard textures. The song is expansive, dark, and utterly unique. 

“Golden Glow” has hints of post-Roger Waters Pink Floyd, with Perdomo nailing the Nick Mason drum feel. Of course, the anthemic lead guitar lines are there, with possibly my favorite lead work from Perdomo on the album. The bass and Rhodes-sounding keyboard all conspire to drag the listener further from the shoreline, leaving the listener to wonder if they will ever return home. 

“Bustelo For Blood” initially comes off as a tasty, if not conventional, pro-rock instrumental, rather than the hypercaffeinated rocker the title suggests; however, a deeper inspection reveals Perdomo employing inviting hooks, powerful guitar solos, and an equally dynamic arrangement to press the theme. The song is dynamic and multilayered. 

‘Waves 10’ continues Perdomo’s hitting streak. Bring on the last three installments! Check out the album series on Bandcamp.