The Wombats
A Guide to Love, Less and Desperation
14th Floor Records
By Miriam Lamey
Wombats are, by definition, small fuzzy marsupials, commonly found in Australia. They’re short, stocky and cute in a surprising way. The Liverpool lads, who comprise The Wombats, obviously incorporated this animal into their band name, but don’t expect any fuzzy cuteness on the band’s debut release, A Guide to Love, Loss and Desperation. Both the animal and the band share an interesting quirkiness and that’s pretty much where the similarities end. The Wombats’ music has more in common with The Futureheads’ high-octane tunes than a cuddly creature. Instead, A Guide to Love, Loss and Desperation presents a daringly comic look at contemporary British life, combining witty, lyrical criticisms with traditional, high energy power-pop; you’d be better off getting up to dance with this one than giving it a hug.
A Guide to Love, Loss and Desperation inspires both laughter and the urge to embarrassingly bop around in public to the bouncy, perky pop rock tunes. “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” mixes up light riffs with urgent, extremely fast-paced drums, slowing down to highlight the verses, leaping high and fast for the head-shaking, punkier chorus. Listening to the track is like slamming a Red Bull and watching the world run on fast forward until the caffeine high fades. Sans the caffeine high, it seems The Wombats are really using this track as a vehicle to take the piss out of indie kids (dancing to Joy Division shows you’re “in”) but also to deconstructing iconic, overplayed tracks. “Let the love tear us apart/Let it tear us apart” is sung repeatedly on top of what sounds like a children’s choir. While this could come across as pretentious, the addictive music implies these boys are just out for a good time; their goal is not to preach, despite the backing choir.
On the flip side, The Wombats are also quite the storytelling bunch. Take “Kill the Director,” for example, a song that dictates a brief anecdote of unrequited love, the mysteries of which escape the song’s protagonist. “I’ve met someone who makes me feel seasick…so many skills that make her distinctive/But they’re not mine to have,” Murphy almost whines. Yet in true Wombats style, the song focuses on the comical side of the situation, starting off with dizzyingly quick drums which are supported by jerky riffs that escalate into the anthemic, Bravery-like, foot-stomping chant, “this is no Bridget Jones,” to remind the audience that this ain’t no pathetic love story. Similarly, “Moving to New York,” deals with change, growing up and all things in between. If any Wombats tracks could be called languid, this one is the best bet. Guitars are smoother, vocals almost slow right down, making the track ballad-like and introspective. If nothing else, the tune displays this band’s range and ability to shift gears, producing something not musically complex, but certainly a pleasure to hear.
A Guide to Love, Loss and Desperation carries an amazing feisty energy, humor and general good nature. The Wombats don’t take themselves too seriously, but are dedicated to producing good, solid music with insightful lyrics that are attuned to British pop culture. While this can make for a few referential problems for those in the States, it’s clear that listeners can also enjoy the solid punky pop tunes and simply rock out, even “dance to joy division” (The Wombats’ interpretation, of course) should the mood strike. Maybe The Wombats aren’t utterly different from their animal namesake; both are definitely steadfast, universally appealing and, admittedly, a teeny bit cute.
|
