This week, I’m exploring two opposite sides of the musical spectrum. On one side, we have Wavves, the California punk-band who are part of their own indie label under a major one, whose wishes they reject. The other is the EDM megastar Avicii who survives headlining the multimillion-dollar festival circuit. This week there will be a clear difference between artistic venting and the mechanization of an industry giant.
Wavves – V (7.0/10)
Wavves has been one of the premier indie punk acts of the past five years. The California band had a breakout band in 2010 with the release of their third album, King of The Beach. The album received much praise for high-energy songs like “Post-Acid.” Since 2010, Wavves released their great fourth album Afraid of Heights and a collaborative album with post-hardcore band Cloud Nothings. Front man Nathan Williams has been busy with side projects like electronic/trap Sweet Valley (a collaboration with his younger brother) or his other indie band Spirit Club.
Wavves also plays male counter part to another California-indie darling, Best Coast. Williams and Best Coast frontwoman Bethany Constantino have been dating for several years now. It becomes clear to listeners of both that the two write songs about each other and the struggles in their relationship.
V is the fifth album from Wavves. It is notably faster than Afraid of Heights and a return to the succinctness of the first three releases. The album is filled with self-loathing from Williams. It seems clear the front man is losing his mind as he squeals in multiple songs.
There is a sense of anguish from this iteration of the surf-punks but not in a depressing sense. Williams is done with his pain and anxiety. He’s calling it quits. He’s ready to shake off the demon to lean on. V is cleaning dirty laundry for the band.
V is a true-to-form Wavves album. It is not their best work. It is, however, Williams best release this year. Spirit Club was not exciting. The collaborative album with Cloud Nothings was a disappointment. King of The Beach and Afraid of Heights are better first introductions. For old Wavves fans, V will be a fresh helping, but far from the best.
Avicii – Stories (5.6/10)
Avicii is one of the biggest names in the mainstream EDM festival juggernaut. His stardom took off after the release of 2011’s “Levels,” an EDM song so huge that it became a meme for the whole genre. The Swedish DJ hit pop success after his release of “Wake Me Up” with R&B singer Aloe Blacc.
For his debut album, True, Avicii went a strange route that the Tiestos and David Guettas wouldn’t have. He embraced EDM’s true opposites, country, blues and folk. Debuting the material six months ahead of release at the Ultra Music Festival, fans were bewildered by the move. Pop fans and top-40 radio took Avicii into their libraries while EDM fans dismissed it.
Avicii has returned to release his second album Stories this fall. The DJ does not dismiss his success of his debut album but also decides to reel in successes of his early work. The combination seems to be willing to get everyone to come back to Avicii’s party.
On True, he used few well-known collaborators. This time around he decides to take in big names, like Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Wyclef Jean, and Zack Brown. Certainly, Avicii attracts the unexpected.
Stories is an interesting compilation of sounds. Many songs have the old school Avicii house feel with heavy piano clunking. Some have the country guitar tones in them. Then there are interesting switches with songs like “Pure Grinding,” which has a hip-hop/R&B vibe to them.
Overall, the songs on Stories are pure Avicii hits made using his signature formula. The songs are loud with massive build-up and dance-worthy drops. While the album is fun, it is more of a collection than an entire piece. Avicii is awkwardly straddling a line between EDM and pop. His EDM work feels very much his own. The pop material is the musical equivalent of a stock photo. The beginning of Stories is very high energy but the album loses steam and many of the songs feel unfinished.