From the mind of Marc Newby and inspired heavily by Frightened Rabbit and The Smiths, War Waves formed the same way most bands do, in response to a heavy break-up. Despite this, War Waves debut album that goes by the same name isn’t as typically miserable as you’d think.
Newby’s approach to modern day courting is something self-deprecating, it’s almost heroic. There’s no begging and pleading, only offering of himself, the good bits and the bad. Songs like ‘Fountains‘ and ‘Hockey Stick’ are two of the more notable songs on the record. This is where the poetic lyricism a la Shoes And Socks Off comes through – Newbys forte.
Whilst most songs are lyrically impressive supported by a poetic backbone, the instrumentation of this record is slightly lacklustre and monotonous. There are no weak songs on this release but there are no outstanding tracks either. It’s hard to work out whether this is down to the slackerpop spirit of the record or genuine lack of exceptional content.
For an entirely independent release this album listens through fluidly. It’s definitely one of those records that takes a couple of tries to get into, but once you get it, it’s great. There are moments of Matt Berninger and hints of Morrisey at times that make something exceptionally memorable about these songs. People are going to love this band for the same reasons they loved Hold Your Horse Is; it’s heartfelt, it’s brutally honesty, it’s loud when it needs to be and it’s quiet in all the right places.
Subtly, this record is frothing at the mouth. There’s a reserved and spontaneous nature to the storytelling proficient enough to engage the casual listener. The aforementioned lyrical prowess in songs like ‘Ball Games’ confesses a three-dimensional feeling to this record. There are stages to grief and War Waves are pretty capable of hitting all of them.
In what is an impressive independent release, War Waves are an exciting project to keep an eye out for. The only disappointment of this record is the uninspiring dynamic. Although as poetry these songs express themselves unreservedly and sincerely and there is enormous value in this.
MAX GAYLER