Early Examination: Wavves - King of the Beach
I’ve often felt bad for Nathan Williams, better known as the guy behind the noise-surf-pop project of Wavves. Throughout all of the backlash aimed at Williams I’ve always thought he was some sort of hero. A dude in his early 20s who is living in his parents basement records a few junk-punk songs on garage band and a couple of months later is an internet “sensation.” You had to give some props.
Unfortunately I’m starting to think that the backlash of last summer is only going to get worse with the release of his third full length LP, King of the Beach. It’s too bad too, because so much of the album’s 36 minutes are a ton of fun. Stupid, beachy, immature, fun.
The title track is the best example of this. The song is a simple surf-pop gem that does nothing except put a smile on your face and invoke an image of toddlers playing with shovels and pails. Many have already argued that it sounds like Blink-182. I would argue that they’re missing the point.
That’s not to say the album doesn’t have some pretty damning weak points and bizzaro moves that don’t make any sense in the context of the album. The strange stoner jam “Green Eyes” and the groan worthy lyrics of “Convertible Balloon” being the worst offenders. However, sometimes Williams’ attempts to branch out work great, such as on the new version of “Mickey Mouse” that is definitely an album highlight.
All said, King of the Beach reminds me much more of a goofy, beach bumming take on the late Jay Reatard(whose backing band is now with Wavves) than Blink-182. The key to enjoying this record is going to be not taking yourself too seriously.
King of the Beach is out in the U.S. on Fat Possum, August 3rd. Pre-Order HERE.
