The first chorus on Wavves’ fifth album poses questions that are revisited with some regularity. ‘V’ is a return of sorts to the rough-hewn days of the band’s initial iteration as Nathan Williams’ bedroom project, but one imbued with a new sense of loss and a hungover pall.
Williams is as reliant on writing as he ever has been. He has put together five Wavves albums in seven years and in 2015 alone assembled a collaborative effort with Dylan Baldi of Cloud Nothings and releases with Sweet Valley and Spirit Club, but ‘V’ has an air of angry catharsis to it that sets it apart from that crowded scene.
Even as the opener, Heavy Metal Detox, throws together a memorable hook with invigorating power chords, there’s a pervading air of tension.
It doesn’t dissipate, cutting through surf-rock on Pony and scuzzy garage licks on Way Too Much, throwing breadcrumbs in the build up to My Head Hurts. “My heads hurts, and without you it’s worse,” Williams sings over frantic guitars, building to an accusatory twist: “You’re killing me, I hope you know.”
Williams is scratching an itch, but isn’t able to rid himself of it entirely. The record becomes increasingly agitated around the midway point, with Redlead’s monotonous bridge and disintegrating guitars leading in a chorus that hammers its point home. Heart Attack, meanwhile, is almost morose in its repetition of the word useless.
The atmosphere conjured by the band - and they are very much a band these days - is enjoyably indulgent and cannily maintained. No single element dominates, allowing Wavves to wallow for as long as they please. Given Williams’ prickly relationship with his major label associates, ‘V’ is a neat jab at expectations. It’s got hooks, sure, but they’ll mainly bum you out.
That, it turns out, is also the record’s big issue. It’s not really all that enjoyable at times. It’s hard not to get swept along in the early stages, where the balance between melody and spite is most apparent, but once My Head Hurts elbows into view, things take a turn. The momentum remains, but generates a blur of pointed sentiments rather than songs to revisit. Flamezesz, which pops up at number eight in the order, punctures the haze but draws attention to itself by being the first peak to appear on the horizon in a while.
‘V’ works on most levels and drives home both Williams’ qualities as a songwriter and the band’s tight-knit ethic, but it’s resolutely a time and place album. If it catches you in an introverted moment, expect to find a new companion.
Wavves Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri November 13 2015 - LEEDS Belgrave Music Hall
Sat November 14 2015 - EDINBURGH Bongo Club
Sun November 15 2015 - GLASGOW Stereo
Mon November 16 2015 - MANCHESTER Sound Control
Tue November 17 2015 - BIRMINGHAM Library, The Institute
Wed November 18 2015 - LONDON Electric Ballroom
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