Smooth Retsina Glow burn bright on Incandescence - Interview
With Incandescence, Smooth Retsina Glow deliver the kind of album that only comes from a band hardened by time, volume, and persistence. Released in October 2025, the Pennsylvania outfit’s sixth studio record finds them operating at full command, distilling years of lineup shifts, relentless touring, and creative experimentation into a focused statement. Across ten tracks and forty-nine minutes, the band doesn’t chase reinvention so much as refinement, proving how powerful a group can be when it truly knows itself.
At the center of the record is Colin Wolf, whose role extends well beyond guitar and vocals. His fingerprints are everywhere, from keyboards to percussion to bass contributions, shaping a sound that feels layered without ever becoming crowded. Paired with Sandra Warner’s vocals, the album gains a dynamic push and pull, a conversational energy that gives the songs emotional range and narrative depth. Warner isn’t simply a counterbalance, she’s a co-pilot, adding warmth and lift where needed.
The rhythm section is equally crucial when you listen in closely. Devin Wachter, initially brought in as a temporary fill-in before earning his place as a full member, anchors the low end with confidence and nuance, while Quincy Wellen’s drumming brings both drive and restraint. Having reprised his role from a previous era of the band, Wellen sounds fully locked in, guiding the songs with a feel that’s muscular but never overbearing. Together, they give Incandescence a pulse that’s capable of supporting both intimate moments and larger, more expansive builds.
Sonically, the album is beautifully produced. The rock foundation is unmistakable, but it’s enriched by subtle influences that creep in at the edges, giving the record texture and color without pulling it apart. Everything feels cohesive, the result of a band that understands how to serve the song first.
In our conversation with Wolf, it was clear how much intention went into every phase of the album’s creation. From discussions about the recording process and production choices to the way the band approaches writing and instrumentation, Incandescence emerges as a record built through careful collaboration rather than accident. Touring remains central to the band’s identity, and that live-tested mentality shows here.
Incandescence captures that relentless energy and belief in connection beyond music itself. It’s an outstanding record from start to finish and if it happens to be your intro to the band, we can’t think of a better jumping off point to explore more. You can listen in, follow along, and stay tuned for plenty more by clicking those links below. Even better, make sure to head to a show in 2026!
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