When an artist with film-scoring credentials steps into the world of independent projects, there’s always a thrill in discovering how their mastery of storytelling through sound translates into personal expression. Enter The Double Headed Seagulls, the boundary-pushing project of Dave Wirth, an award-winning film composer and producer whose latest EP, ‘Play Artful,’ which came out on August 28th redefines the playground of instrumental music.
This is no ordinary record. It’s an exercise in turning sound into sketches, tones into brushstrokes, and rhythm into unexpected shapes. Wirth folds together post-rock dynamics, lo-fi electronica, IDM patterns, experimental ambient layers, and the fluidity of jazz guitar to create something vibrant and exploratory. The result is an EP that feels like creative kids scribbling on the walls—messy, colorful, imaginative, and ultimately, delightful.
“Full Oxford” –The opening track introduces the us to Wirth’s penchant for atmosphere. Floating synth textures drift like watercolor across a canvas, while carefully placed IDM-style percussion patterns add a sense of motion. Jazz guitar phrases weave in and out, at times contemplative and at times playful, creating a dialogue between order and improvisation. It’s an overture that sets the tone: thoughtful yet unpredictable.
“Play Artful” – The title track embodies the EP’s philosophy most directly. Here, the post-rock influence shines, with guitar modulations rising like waves against lush electronic backdrops. The piece sways between meditative passages and bursts of layered instrumentation, like a mural slowly filling in with bold, colorful shapes. There’s a balance of restraint and abandon, suggesting that art—like childhood creativity—should never fear chaos.
“One Pot Screamer” – As its title suggests, this is the wildest moment of the EP. IDM glitches and stuttering beats collide with experimental ambient soundscapes, forming a controlled cacophony that feels chaotic and hypnotic. Wirth’s jazz guitar licks punctuate the mix, giving it a human anchor amid the digital frenzy. It’s the sound of crayons snapped in half and still scribbling furiously—raw, visceral, and oddly joyful.
“Doss Money” – Closing the collection is perhaps the most introspective of the four. Here, the production leans heavily into dreamy ambient tones, with spacious reverb and shimmering synths that seem to hover in the air. The jazz guitar softens, taking on a reflective quality, while subtle rhythmic textures provide just enough grounding. It’s a gentle exhale, a lull after the bright colors of the previous tracks—a reminder that even play ends in moments of stillness.
As a composer, Wirth’s expertise lies not just in writing melodies but in orchestrating sound worlds. His delivery throughout Play Artful is not about virtuosity in the traditional sense, but about creating immersive experiences. The jazz guitar work never overpowers but instead converses with the electronics, bending and shaping around beats and textures like a painter adjusting hues on a canvas. Each track is sculpted with cinematic precision, yet loose enough to feel organic and free.
The production here deserves special mention. The EP is mixed with a warmth that makes its experimental nature approachable. Lo-fi elements keep the textures grounded, while ambient washes give the EP an expansive, dreamlike quality. The IDM influences—delicate glitches, off-kilter percussion, and electronic pulses—are executed with finesse, never overwhelming the organic guitar timbres. The combination of electronic programming and live instrumentation feels balanced, with no one element stealing the spotlight.
With ‘Play Artful,’ The Double Headed Seagulls mark a fascinating entry into the experimental scene, proving that playfulness and sophistication can coexist beautifully. Dave Wirth uses his filmic instincts to draw us into shifting landscapes—sometimes chaotic, sometimes serene, but always captivating. This is music for the imagination, a reminder that creativity is at its best when boundaries dissolve.
Listen to the ‘Play Artful’ EP on Spotify
Follow The Double Headed Seagulls here for more information
