God damn. What is there not to say about Wavves? Take the most smug, ironic statement and picture it in your head. A handicap space in a retirement home parking lot? Close. A fly that lives only 3 seconds? You’re getting there, but you’ve got nothing on these guys. Wavves are a noise-rock collective whom bleed into the indie pop genre, the next big voice in dispassion and unfulfilled apathy for life; they’re here to say “we don’t care what you think”, and oddly enough we love them for that.
I’m not here to Wu you.
There is a hidden allure behind the band and California based duo, one that brings together an equal mass of both fans and haters in regards to the band and the genre as a whole – the intended lo-fi shaping of the band often being misinterpreted for sloppy musicianship. Regardless of your take on the band however, it is become clear that they are quickly pulling themselves out from the roots of their hometown in California and into the more mainstream variety of indie fandom, adjusting their belt in the move from Crepe house to Starbucks in hipster status. The band’s noisey and unapologetic onslaught of songs ranging from technical build up and teen anthems, all produce the same inherent effect, an intimate recording style. By this I mean that although there is a level of maintenance in the recording process of the band, it is so subtly executed that the raw and intentionally “misproduced” sound of the band is still intact. The band is ultimately a basement project stored up and released unwillingly onto the world, and the sounds itself resides on many varying interpretations. For some, the intention or “point” of the music is lost beneath the minimalist recording style, causing all of their songs to appear as if they sound the same, but perhaps they are not listening hard enough. Wavves are prepared to impress anyone who is willing to truly listen. Thus, they are able to connect with listeners both personally and on a major personal scale, a feat that is not so easily matched by that of the noise-rock genre.
The band’s sound works ultimately out of their delivery, the pure energy of their songs reinstates that it is not a wrong note (or many) that can ruin a song, but the wrong emotion. Each recording is drilled with this in mind, for it is through their smug conviction and unrefined spirit are that the band is truly able to function comfortably. Their non-ruelfed persona are a shot right to the cranium, like an amusement park at 4 in the morning or a long walk on e, they are the type of music you badly want to dance badly to. It is quickly to be found however that interpreting the message of their music is often just as difficult as predicting what is to come next.
Ultimately, Wavves are a band that merely do not equal up live proving that their music may ultimately be intended for recording purposes in contrast to performances; the irony of the band’s lyrics of their music is quickly overshadowed by the irony that this would be much more enjoyable. It is clear that nothing can out shadow the level of awesomeness that comes from listening to them while day-tripping around the city. With this being said, perhaps we are truly underestimating the power of the band’s subtle hand of maintenance, as without this protective barrier apparent in the recording process, the physical bareness of their songs become revealed.
Wavves Recorded
Wavves Live
Wavves have been dubbed by many as one of the best new bands of the year, and by many more as the most overrated. Through the conflicting levels of energy varying between their recordings and performances, Wavves succeed squarely in what they do best, being provocative, a feat which is much more important than being just another “it” band. What is most interesting about Wavves, is that they are interesting to talk about. Whether you love them or you hate them, or regardless of how badly you dance, Wavves are a unique musical experience that should not be overlooked, not merely because of their sound, but the energy and emotion that derives from their interpretation. Give Wavves a try right now.
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