CD Review: Wavves

Band: Wavves
Release: 2008

CD Review: Noise. Pop? Not really. People will always try to call something pop if it sounds catchy in the slightest way. I'm guilty of it. When you mix a lot of feedback with just general scratchy instrumentation, the product is usually just your run of the mill "noise." The thing about Wavves -- also witnessed on their 2009 release Wavvves - is that the singer has a little Dean Allen Spunt going on. In other words, his voice reaches above the lo-fi crazy sounds. Albeit you probably won't be able to understand much, but its still important to take note of this because it's not that difficult to simply pick up a guitar and a drum kit and start jamming mindless chords while all the settings on the amp are turned up. You'd be surprised to find some hi-fi tracks on this album. "Vermin" might have you thinking "what the hell is this?" It sounds like Weirdo Rippers trying to be like Nouns. I give Wavves a bunch of credit for the attempt, but admittedly they do go a little overboard at times. I give my high praise to the last track, "Teenage Super Party," which had me optimistic in terms of what Wavves is capable of. And as evidenced in Wavvves, they are capable of quite a lot.

Grade: 8.4 out of 10

CD Review: Wavvves

Comments: Wavves bring a lot to the table -- experimental punk, noise punk, surf punk -- which distinguishes them from 95% of today's rock bands. The comparison is nearly striking, save for a few effects and less catchier riffs. They sound like a No Age cover band, if only No Age had songs such as "To the Dregs" and "Gun in the Sun." It's hard to listen to this album and not think of my favorite LA punk duo, but I did indeed manage to holistically look at Wavves. Wavvves has a spacey feel that is eclectic and innovative. "Goth Girls" is particularly otherwordly. Among the more down-to-earth, less lo-fi tracks is "No Hope Kids." Check out "Weed Demon" as well. And the other nine tracks that I failed to mention. The average listener might be a little turned off by the share musical craziness (aka distortion and feedback) that this album has to offer. Your noise aficionado, though, might consider this a candidate for top 5 albums of the year. I'm more on the latter's side.

Grade: 8.9 out of 10 - HighlÉ Recommended