WAYNE FALER—FOREWORD

On his sophomore solo release, Foreword, Wayne Faler (formerly of L.A.’s paisley-pop band Dream Boys) continues to expand the moody landscape of his self-titled debut. Featuring atmospheric pedal steel and 12-string acoustics, the album blends brooding ’80s new wave with dreamy vocal harmonies—a combination Faler describes as “Echo and the Bunnymen meets the Everly Brothers.”

Raised in Metro Detroit with two older brothers who spoon-fed him bands like the Church, Love and Rockets, and the Cocteau Twins, Faler moved to L.A. on his twenty-first birthday and never left. He has played and recorded with numerous groups around town, including Nic Hessler (Captured Tracks), Devon Williams (Slumberland Records), and Bart Davenport (Bart and the Bedazzled). He started Dream Boys with Will Ivy (Flat Worms), Wallace Meek (Neverever), and Mike La Franchi (Traps PS). The band gained local attention for its jangly, C86-style guitar riffs and three-part harmonies, and went on to release two albums and open for bands like Real Estate and Allah-Las.

Faler’s debut solo album, released in 2023 on Athena Records, was written and recorded alone in a garage with drum machines, acoustic guitars, and vintage synthesizers, and mixed by his brother William at his studio in L.A. For Foreword, his first release on Curation Records, Faler combines the melancholy textures of new wave with Americana and dream pop. The album, which features a handful of songs written soon after moving to California as well as more recent tracks, was recorded with the help of friends and former bandmates.

For fans of Creation Records, 4AD/Beggars Banquet, Domino Records, and Curation Records.

“Los Angeles–based artist Wayne Faler engrosses with a dreamy, jangly sound. ... The breezy and ethereal enticement compels from the get-go, as Faler’s vocals flow effortlessly alongside the shimmering guitars.”

—Obscure Sound

Record credits:

Wayne Faler – guitars, bass, and synthesizers

Joey Waronker (Oasis, Beck, REM) – drums on “On My Way”

Robin MacMillan (Luke Sweeney, Bart Davenport, Kolumbo) – drums

Tim Ramsey (Martin Courtney, Vetiver, Kacey Johansing, Little Wings) – pedal steel guitar

Andres Renteria (Beachwood Sparks, José González, Mia Doi Todd) – percussion

Drums recorded by Carlos de la Garza at Music Friends (producer for M83, Death Cab for Cutie) Mixed and mastered by William Faler

Photography and art – Aaron Giesel

Additional design – Chris Appelgren