Wavves - King Of The Beach (Fat Possum)

This third effort from Wavves is a more accessible record than their first two and, thankfully, isn’t titled Wavvvves in accordance the pattern that had developed. It is slicker as well and features the rhythm section from the late Jay Reatard’s live band. The result is not unlike one of Jimmy Lee Lindsey’s records in both time changes and attitude. There are too many coincidences to think that wasn’t the idea from the beginning.

The album could be the soundtrack for a week in the life of a teenager. It begins with an anthem of self-importance and invincibility in the title track. It then segues into inadequacy and petulance. The perfect complement for these feelings is the voice of Nathan Williams, who boasts a Liam Gallagher-esque whine and an occasional James Mercer falsetto. Williams wears his influences on his sleaves as there are songs where you can clearly hear the aforementioned Jay Reatard (“Idiot”), as well as Modest Mouse (“Convertible Balloon,”).

Following the old blueprint of writing self-deprecating, nihilistic pop songs is time-tested and has clearly made a huge impact on Williams. Unfortunately, another pop music tradition is frontloading the standout tracks on the A-side of your album. The second half is far weaker and the nasal supplication for the listener’s approval really wears away at you as the record progresses. The fact that the pep is nearly constant to go along with those vocals certainly doesn’t do the album any favors.

Wavves ultimately has taken a step forward in terms of creative growth and I certainly would want to hear where they go next. But many repeated listenings of this record? “Baby Say Goodbye,”.