wakelee - Under Construction Forever [PRE-ORDER]

wakelee is a band built on specifics. Their name comes from northeast New Jersey’s wakelee Field, where identical twin brothers Alex Bulmer (vocals/guitar) and David Bulmer (drums) grew up, but their attention to detail runs much deeper than geography. Across the Brooklyn trio’s sophomore album (and first for Wax Bodega), Under Construction Forever, tiny moments become emotional anchors: oversized T-shirts and Crocs left behind by a late family member, frostbitten winters, the disappointment of waiting for a ride you know isn’t coming. 

Formed in 2019 alongside bassist Elliot Shiang, wakelee spent their early years navigating pandemic setbacks and DIY tours while slowly finding their identity. Their self-titled 2023 debut laid the foundation, while 2024’s “Criminal” and their 2025 Doghouse EP brought their vision into clearer focus: Rather than chase intricate arrangements, the trio started prioritizing songs that felt immediate and lived-in. That spirit runs throughout Under Construction Forever, blending indie rock, emo and alternative into something proudly its own. The album’s self-awareness is the product of years spent questioning, recalibrating and trying again, and wakelee approach these songs with a sense of maturity and patience that feels increasingly rare in a modern world that prioritizes overnight success over a steady, gradual grind.