WAVVES
Words by Kristen Cochrane
Incomprehensible, boisterous, raspy, and repetitive verse? Perfect combination for the next current and cool sound? Apparently. Meet Nathan Williams, the impossible genius behind WAVVES.
Initially gaining attention through pitchfork, WAVVES‘ buzz-factor has been abrupt and conspicuous. Perhaps because WAVVES is comprised of one sole individual, or perhaps because his songs are simple and deliver harsh noise that we haven’t heard since Sonic Youth. Again, by one person.
Beach goth, surf rock, punk noise, whatever you will, Nathan Williams is stellar and ingenious. Showing a partiality to weed, goths, and the beach, Williams’ song titles are what give him that California-hipster cred, which was probably not his intention. How can you not love the kid? The lyrics are fun, the melody is fun, but he has been winning serious attention with this noisy fervor.
While still only spoken of through the most devoted hipsters and music zealots, Williams has already been parodied, by the likes of an anonymous group in Mexico by the name of “JUAVVES”. “JUAVVES” have most beautifully redone “I’m So Bored” under the name of “Muy Aburrido”. In spite of its bumpiness, it is incredibly entertaining to hear in an unfamiliar language.
Posting goofy and paradoxically comely Polaroid photos on his myspace, he brings to mind your stoner brother, endlessly making music in his room, high as a kite. You never think your brother will make it, but this brother somehow did. With his heavy undertones of sixties surf sounds, post-punk shoe gaze, and the sounds of oldies radio playing on a Sunday afternoon, not only will you be craving a malt shake, but you will be left revived and renewed with a genre that will soon be attempted to recreate.
Posted Thu, May 07, 2009