Catalyst, the latest single from New Zealand–based Australian composer Micah Templeton-Wolfe, released under the Stray Theories moniker, arrives ahead of the forthcoming album Falter and signals a subtle but meaningful shift in trajectory.
Where the project's earlier work often hovered in a delicate equilibrium of texture suspended against atmosphere, Catalyst leans further into melody, drawing from the vanguard of post rock without surrendering its ambient core. The track breathes slowly, allowing themes to surface and recede, as each movement is deliberately weighted.
Before settling into a calming, cleansing release, gentle tones progressively give way to darker, pulsating tension. It feels profoundly like an organized plunge into more expansive perspectives rather than explosive in the traditional sense.
Falter implies hesitancy and doubt, but Catalyst conveys a different message. Templeton-Wolfe has an even grasp and a clear intention. What comes out is music that is molded by certainty and balance.
Falter is out on February 6th, 2026 via n5MD.
ZR