Wave Machines – If You’re Really There Review
I was introduced to Wave Machines after checking out their music and finding it pretty entertaining. We also hosted a contest to give away tickets to show across the pond but alas, our reach amount the UK must be small as we the tickets went unclaimed.
Anyway, Wave Machines specialize in synth-pop and are group out of Liverpool which each member assisting on vocals. The album “If You’re Really There” was released on June 15th and I’ve had quite a bit of time on the album.
To start, I don’t love the album but it’s damn entertaining. As with a lot of entertaining dance/synth-pop outfits in the same vein as Hot Chip – the music isn’t exactly intelligible. Most people would value the music on whether it gets your feet moving and Wave Machines does that. The beginning of the album gets your feet moving until the track “Punk Spirit”. Punk Spirit, is sort of an abrupt left turn and could be argued as their best track due to the shear fragility of the singer. Where is my punk spirit when I need it? It seems as every 5th song on the album they switch gears, with the song “Dead Houses” as a closer to the album – lacks the “on crack” pop that the rest of the album had. It proves without a doubt that the band can entertain without trying to make you dance.
Ultimately those two songs end up being the best, mainly because it really shows off the band being talented and not just making electro synth pop music to massive crowds. As for the rest of the album, as some detractors would dislike to the style of music – it is truly entertaining from top to the bottom. No matter how dumb the lyricism may be at times (and it’s not that bad), what else can you say when you listen to the album and you really enjoy yourself? The vocals are probably the strong point on the album with the British charm of the lead singer and high note backup vocalists. It gives a nice mix of seriousness and fun.
Rating: 4 out of 5
You are lying to yourself if this album doesn’t at the very least get you moving. I usually tire of listening to electro/synth-pop albums but it looks like this is an album I’ll put on once inawhile. The band is capable of more – if “Punk Spirit” or “Dead Horses” is any indication. Strong effort.
Music video for I Go I Go I Go:
Punk Spirit by Wave Machines
Dead Houses by Wave Machines
The Line by Wave Machines
Tags: album
