There's A Lot Unraveling In Alex Wellkers' "reach the stars"

Explored through extensive wordplay and metaphors, paired with intricate sounds of classical rock and grunge and everything in between, there is no doubt that “reach the stars” covers every inevitable thing to be experienced in a person’s life, from the perspective of the artist, related to the audiences’. However, this album is curated with finesse and personality, not exactly aiming to please listeners but to get the message across to such a distinct style.

Alex Wellkers, the man behind it all, clearly focuses on sound, quality, output. He has previously released EPs that date back from over seven years ago, and a couple albums prior to “reach the stars”. With this one in particular, six singles have already been put out a few months back, with another one coming out on the next one.

It all begins with prominence and a dead-set arrangement instrumental-wise, “we knew it all” gives off a preaching vibe, and you could clearly tell that every component is meant to be where it is in the track. To put it simply, it sort of serves as a starter and a preparation for the main courses.

“bring me the keys” starts off isolated and slowly introduces the whole sound leading up to the chorus. The line “When I compromise, you start to complain” could not be more relatable, as the track is about recognizing unappreciativeness, prompting the person to leave on his own terms for his own good. The rhythm is catchy, with each verse being bite-sized and easy to follow, easy to get hooked on. It carries what is supposed to be a heartbreaking and sad decision in a powerful manner, and instead of being completely sorrowful, inflicts empowerment to listeners instead.

The piano and strings add a poetic touch in “see me there”, seeing as this is described as a grunge, indie rock record. It acts like a transition through tracks, as if they are puzzle pieces meant to be done and completed in order, but the melodies within each song are unique and different.

Moreover, “there is cars” offers an intricate, catchy tune, with the narration essentially about travel, places, and achieving the desired proximity: “There is cars, there is planes, there is buses / And they all take you across the United States”. The guitar parts are addicting with how they soar and compliment the way every line is delivered.

With “desert island”, its introduction is fitting and sets the song’s aura, truly making it seem like the vocals are alone with the strings and the rest of the instruments making themselves known one by one. The tempo change halfway can’t be missed, and the line “It is so lonely, I wish I wasn’t / I yearn for someone to be here” is simple yet no doubt a universal experience at some point in life, more specifically a trying time.

“alles nicht so schlimm”, which is German for ‘everything isn’t so bad’ and “tu es ici”, which is French for ‘you are here’, are songs both sung in those respective languages. However, the instrumentals are still fun to listen to even for those who don’t know anything about them.

After a chain of songs that primarily involve more calmer and melancholic tunes, “she will say” is more abrupt, to an extent that even the vocals have a different flair in them, as it really embodies the rock element of the record. The same can be said with “the key”, a song essentially about regulating oneself and taking things into moderation (which is what is referred to be ‘the key’), and “mystic saint”, which promotes anticipation through a rock interlude that lasts around four-fifths of the first minute, the foreplay from guitars and drums sticking to the same aura.

It all becomes reflective once more with “what are you searching for”, which is seemingly about living life and going through its realities, navigating through the maze while searching for meaning and purpose. “now the pages been turn” starts off acoustic, and is very well-fit to be placed as the second to the last track. In theory, the line “Things are now so different / It is me who rules you” could probably mean anything other than a literal person, as it could be an emotion or an internal struggle that has finally been overcome.

Lastly, “au revoir”, known for meaning ‘goodbye’ or ‘until we meet again’ in French, seals everything back up as it returns to relying on strings and piano, like taking everything back home. It’s very endearing, all things considered.

This album is for those who strive to be better, for those looking for a sign to turn everything around. It’s clear that every track comes from a place within Alex Wellkers’ heart and mind, imparted to the listeners vulnerably and selflessly. Not to mention with each and every one tied to remarkable tunes and melodies. It’s an album worthy of your time, that’s for sure.