Some bands arrive like passing waves; here for a season, gone the next. But others, like Denmark’s Wingfish, carve something deeper into the shoreline of alternative rock. Formed in Gjern in 2003, the group brought together Jesper Larsen (guitar/vocals), Michael Fischerson (bass), Allan Østerdahl (drums), and Peter Amby (guitar). Their chemistry as a live act was undeniable, and it was this very spark that gave birth to their EP, “Looking Forward,” first released on August 23, 2004.
Now, more than two decades later, Wingfish has reintroduced the EP to the world with a rerelease (July 21, 2025), accompanied by two more treasures from their archive: Stories from the River Ego Shoreline (2002) and Scout (2019). For fans old and new, this trilogy of rereleases is not only a celebration of their journey but also a reminder of the endurance of songs that pulse with both grit and sincerity. Let’s go into it.
The title track, “Looking Forward” is an anthem and a philosophy, carrying a forward-driving momentum that feels urgent yet hopeful. Jesper’s vocals carry the rasp and emotional weight reminiscent of Chris Cornell, balancing raw grit with melodic phrasing. The guitars are expansive and searching, layered with subtle experimental touches that feel almost cinematic. Lyrically, the song leans toward themes of anticipation and resilience — a call to push through uncertainty with conviction.
“I Know Everything” turns inward, tackling themes of perception and self-awareness, tinged with the defiance of alternative rock’s golden age. Jesper’s delivery here is equal parts confessional and confrontational, riding atop Fischerson’s bassline, which grounds the song with warmth and authority. The drumming is lean yet impactful, punctuating moments of intensity with sharp precision. The chorus feels cathartic, as though it is tearing down illusions while grasping for truth.
Closing the EP,“Promise She Made” is perhaps its most intimate and brooding moment. Built around lyrical storytelling, “it explores themes of trust, memory, and the lingering weight of commitments. Jesper’s guitar work here is atmospheric and deliberate, painting wide emotional strokes, while Amby’s rhythm guitar builds a rich backdrop. The performance feels reflective, carrying a darker hue that contrasts beautifully with the title track’s forward thrust.
Jesper Larsen’s voice is the heartbeat of Wingfish. There’s a gravelly honesty to his delivery; one that recalls grunge and alternative heroes like Cornell and Josh Homme, but without imitation. He sings as though every word costs him something, lending a gravity to the lyrics that keeps them resonant even decades later. The instrumentation, meanwhile, thrives in its synergy. The twin guitars of Larsen and Amby create fierce and fluid textures, moving seamlessly from driving riffs to ethereal layers. Fischerson’s bass lines add muscle without overshadowing, while Østerdahl’s drumming is dynamic, ensuring each song has propulsion and breathing space. Together, they built an EP that never feels static, always alive with subtle shifts and interplay.
The rerelease of this EP, alongside Stories from the River Ego Shoreline and Scout, doesn’t just honor where Wingfish has been. It shines a light on where they are headed, proving that a band willing to embrace both experimentation and honesty can still captivate audiences across generations. Overall, Wingfish’s ‘Looking Forward’ is a statement of endurance, of sound rooted in authenticity, and of music that continues to matter.
Listen to the “Looking Forward” EP on Spotify
Follow Wingfish here for more information
