Wavves – You’re Welcome

Nathan Williams & co. have moved on to new pastures, with their heads very much held high...

30 tends to be the age that most of us start getting our shit together (well, some of us) and for Nathan Williams this couldn’t be more true. Leaving the shadows behind of Warners he’s now set up his own business — Ghost Ramp — which is a merchandise store, a solid community, and label wrapped all in one. ‘You’re Welcome’, his first independent release through the imprint, happily sticks two fingers up to the past. Documenting the band’s unfulfilled time at the major on the title track, his tone is unabashedly smug and rightfully so. After walking away from a daily routine that was unpredictable and nightmarish at times, which he felt was stunting his occupational progress.

This new lease of found freedom sees Wavves channelling their energy away from Williams’ personal afflictions into politics on ‘Exercise’ and ‘Million Enemies’, a song deemed for the haters. It’s ground that hasn’t been brought to the forefront on previous albums ‘King Of The Beach’ and ‘Afraid Of Heights’. They’ve brought this activism to their live show, having banned audience members who were homophobic, anti-abortion, racist (and Trump supporters) on their last tour.

Originally whittled down from 40 songs Williams had penned from a jumble of sample-led ideas, ‘You’re Welcome’ nonetheless features Wavves proverbial fuzzy guitar distortions and surf vibes, but includes his explorative forays into ‘70s psychedelia from South America, Cambodian pop and his obsession of ‘50s doo-wop notably on ‘Come To The Valley’. As the sixth album in a career that has seen its ups and downs, it contains comedic elements of humour that looks to the brighter side of life. Paying testament to picking yourself up and dusting yourself off no matter how low you’ve been, because at the end of day — although we’re going to get cliché here — everything happens for reason.

7/10

Words: Lois Browne

– – –

– – –

Buy Clash Magazine

-
Join the Clash mailing list for up to the minute music, fashion and film news.