German-Swiss musician Alex Wellkers unveils his ambitious new 13-track album, Reach the Stars — a project that lives up to its title by pushing sonic and emotional boundaries. Across its runtime, the record drifts between dreamlike pop balladry, gritty rock textures, and cinematic orchestration, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive.
The opening track, “We Knew It All,” sets the tone with a deceptive gentleness. What begins as a soft, dreamy pop ballad quickly grows into something more theatrical, as Wellkers use of distorted vocals collides with atmospheric instrumentation. With contributions from harpist Mercedes Bralo, cellist Noelia Diaz, and pianist Luciano Andrés Ledesma, the track is layered and immersive, blurring lines between classical delicacy and rock urgency.
The second track, “Bring Me the Keys,” dives further into pop-rock energy, its urgency sharpened by violins that cut through the rhythm. The fusion of strings with punchy drums gives the track momentum, while keeping it tethered to the album’s cinematic spirit.
On “See Me There,” Wellkers’ raw, rough-edged vocal delivery becomes the emotional centerpiece. Instead of smoothing over imperfections, he leans into them, allowing authenticity to seep through. The arrangement — enriched by saxophones, piano, and layered strings — creates a striking contrast, balancing grit with grandeur.
One of the album’s heavier moments arrives with track nine, “The Key.” Built around driving drums and guitar-centric energy, the song is a gift to alternative rock fans. Its faster tempo and sharper edge reveal another side of Wellkers’ artistry, showcasing his ability to pivot between lush orchestration and raw, visceral power.
The record closes with “Au Revoir,” a fittingly epic farewell. Theatrical and deliberate, it pulses with weight and gravity, drawing the curtain with a sense of earned finality. With its sweeping strings and dramatic progression, the track encapsulates the grandeur of the project while leaving listeners with a lingering aftertaste of reflection.
Alex carefully weaves acoustic instruments, cinematic arrangements, and rock dynamics into a cohesive narrative. It’s an album that dares to be both grand and grounded, speaking to human connection, emotion, and artistry without restraint.
Across ‘Reach the Stars,’ Wellkers proves himself not just as a songwriter, but as a sonic architect
