They say that those who live by the sword, die by the sword. And when it comes to Wisp’s latest single — notably dubbed “Sword” — the nu-gaze auteur’s ethereal, and distortion-gauzy sound is certainly something some would die for.
The new single marks Wisp’s first song of 2025, and is likewise the first to arrive since it was announced that the rising artist will be opening up for System of a Down on a series of dates this summer. The track initially has Wisp delivering ultra-breathy melodies above a bedrock of soft-brushed snare hits and acoustic swirls – at least until the song maxes out an arsenal of boost pedals.
Throughout, Wisp gently reflects on people getting lost in interpersonal strife (“When is it my turn to not live in fear / What are you afraid of?”)
“‘Sword’ represents the shame and confusion people feel when loved ones hide them from the world,” she said in a statement, adding that the song is likewise “about not having a chance to shine because your partner keeps you in the dark.”
The song was likewise fit with dreamlike, medieval visuals courtesy of directors by Rudy Grazziani and Valeriya Dyatko. As you’ll see up above, the cinematic outing has Wisp wandering palatial scenes and pastoral grounds with a mysterious knight. There’s a bit of a role reversal thing going on by song’s end.
“Sword” is likewise being teased as “the first glimpse of her new world,” with a debut album said to be in the works. The LP will follow Wisp’s series of singles and 2024 EP, Pandora.
You can find Wisp’s upcoming tour schedule down below.
Wisp tour dates:
5/17 Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Block Party
6/12 Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo
6/28 Roskilde, Zealand – Roskilde Festival
8/27 East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium @
8/28 East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium @
8/31 Chicago, IL – Soldier Field ^
9/1 Chicago, IL – Soldier Field ^
9/3 Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium %
9/5 Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium %
@ with System of a Down, Korn, Polyphia
^ with System of a Down, Avenged Sevenfold, Polyphia
% with System of a Down, Deftones, Polyphia