“LOOKING FORWARD”by Wingfish

Few bands demonstrate the resilience, creativity, and musical evolution of Wingfish as vividly as their debut EP Looking Forward. Released in 2004, this three-track collection captures the raw energy and experimental spirit that would come to define the band, led by Jesper Larsen. From the first note, listeners are drawn into a progressive rock landscape enriched with elements of blues, psychedelia, country, and singer-songwriter introspection—a sonic palette that signals the ambition and versatility of Wingfish even in its earliest stages. Recorded with a commitment to live performance authenticity, Looking Forward favors energy and cohesion over perfection, a choice that allows each musician’s presence to resonate. The original lineup members for "Looking Forward" are: Jesper Larsen, guitars/ vocals, Peter Amby on rhythm guitar/ harmony guitar, Michael Fischerson on bass and Allan Østerdahl drums interplay dynamically, while post-production experimentation—incorporating old radio textures, backwards echo, and infinite sustain guitar—adds layers of creativity that make the EP both timeless and forward-thinking. Opening with the title track Looking Forward, moving through I Know Everything, and closing with Promise She Made, the EP feels like an invitation into a wide, open space.

The Ep carries the energy of an uplifting mindfulness journey, built on bright acoustic guitar lines and a steady, pulsing bass. Warm percussion and delicately layered vocal harmonies enter with precision, adding depth and color at just the right moments. These tracks, though over two decades old, remain staples of the band’s live performances, illustrating the lasting strength of Wingfish’s early vision. Listening to Looking Forward today, in 2025, offers a fascinating perspective on how far the band has come. Jesper Larsen, as the sole original member, has guided Wingfish through numerous lineup changes, evolving styles, and ambitious projects, all while maintaining the heartfelt, exploratory core evident on this EP. The energy and inventiveness of the early recordings can be traced through the band’s current work, including their widely acclaimed 2024 single Gentle Ally, which demonstrates the maturity, polish, and confidence Wingfish has developed over decades of dedication to their craft. The charm of Looking Forward lies not only in its technical skill but in its emotional honesty.

Each track conveys a sense of immediacy, a feeling that the band is performing for the listener in real time, inviting them into the creative space of rehearsal rooms, small venues, and intimate stages. This authenticity—an aesthetic Wingfish has never abandoned—cements the EP as a cornerstone of their catalogue, providing a window into the band’s formative period while foreshadowing the sophistication of later releases. For both longtime fans and new listeners discovering Wingfish’s origins, Looking Forward is a testament to artistic evolution and perseverance. It highlights a band that began with live experimentation, fearless creativity, and a passion for blending genres, and has grown into an accomplished, respected act whose recent works, like Gentle Ally, continue to garner attention and praise. This EP remains a vital snapshot of Wingfish’s beginnings—a bold, vibrant introduction to a band whose journey is as compelling as their music.