the submersible dirigible

Hype isn’t always a reliable indicator of merit, but Wavves rocket launch to hipster stardom is well deserved.  Lo-fi garage rock has been on the ascent for some time now, building upon a long tradition of noise rock that runs through the likes of The Dead C, Sonic Youth, and Tarantel (to name a few).   While he’s hardly the first to try the mix, Nathan Williams’s sun-soaked noise rock has caught on in a big way, and it’s been blast riding this latest wave of new racket rock (e.g., Religious Knives, Pumice, Grouper, Pink Reason, and so, so many more).  

Without a drummer, $2 beers, and a room full of sweaty hipsters, the music doesn’t sound quite the same.  Despite these shortcomings, this VPRO solo-set is a good listen.  More surprising than the missing drummer is the acoustic guitar, and crystal clear vocals.  Stripped of its bristling grime, Williams’ songwriting actually sounds remarkably snuggleworthy.

“So Bored”
“Untitled” (unreleased)
“Head In the Sand”
“To the Dregs”
(cont…)

LISTEN (wma web)

http://www.vpro.nl/programma/dwars/artikelen/41504609/

Saw Wavves recently @ Market Hotel in Brooklyn.  NYCTaper caught the performance.  His recording better represents the typical Wavves flaming-streamers rock, if anyone’s interested.