The music genre known as “pop/rock” is often times linked to poorly made radio music that is here today and gone tomorrow. Most of the artists grouped together in this category are a flash in the pan and have a limit to what they have to offer. Hiding in this group of misfit acts is usually one or two bands that really have something to say and that stick around. Walking this very delicate line of “here today and gone tomorrow” is The Wandas, a pop/rock outfit that sounds unlike any of the other recent contributions the Bay State has made to the music scene. With their infectious melodies and catchy choruses, it is hard not to enjoy listening to them. On their album, the appropriately titled New Wave Blues, The Wandas manage to create their own sound that successfully steers clear of becoming just another pop pick in what seems like an ever-growing landscape of cloned music.
With the opener “New Wave Blues”, The Wandas establish their hypnotic dream pop sound thanks to the mixture of Keith McEachern’s fragile vocals and tranquil acoustic guitar. They have such a large sound, thanks in part to drummer Will Bierce’s use of the sequencer, in which they are able to control and neatly construct lean songs that the listener can’t help but be impressed and positively overwhelmed. The gradually growing textures that surround the core on songs like the opener and “Lose You” are perfect examples of this achievement.
Without sinking too far in the past, The Wandas New Wave Blues at times evokes a welcome return to 90’s alternative melancholy innocence with songs like “Fighting A War”, “Trepidation”, and “Bending Over Backwards”. These are songs that would sound right at home on the radio in the mid 90’s while at the same time still sounding new today. In this respect, their songs are not overly processed, becoming a victim to studio trickery like many other recent pop/rock acts, and instead have a feeling of soul and human nature to them. This familiarity adds to the nostalgic feel that New Wave Blues often times delivers. Taking the title New Wave Blues in context, it is clear why this familiarity takes place. It is because The Wandas successfully take the positive elements of 90’s alternative pop/rock, such as that addicting melancholy tinge and charming up-beat pop, and applies them to today, introducing them to a new generation.
The lyrics in The Wandas music is straightforward and to the point but manage to work well with their sound: tight and concise where it needs to be and flowing where they allow themselves to stretch. Keith McEachern’s lyrics of the internal struggles of dealing with relationships and having to face the blemishes of everyday life combined with their pop hooks is a perfect match for a memorable and relatable record. “Thank You Note” sounds as though McEachern is simply reading a letter he wrote to someone and putting it to song , “Thanks for making me laugh when I didn’t feel like smiling/Thanks for taking the time to get to know me.” These terse lyrics are neatly put in front of a background vocal harmony that fill them out and that will easily get stuck in your head. The chiming piano combined with the slide guitar of Brent Battey and echoing vocals on “Everyday (is as bad as Monday)” create a haunting atmosphere that when juxtaposed with their upbeat pop sensibilities lends itself to a unique albeit sometimes down trodden listening experience that characterizes much of the album.
With the opener “New Wave Blues”, The Wandas establish their hypnotic dream pop sound thanks to the mixture of Keith McEachern’s fragile vocals and tranquil acoustic guitar. They have such a large sound, thanks in part to drummer Will Bierce’s use of the sequencer, in which they are able to control and neatly construct lean songs that the listener can’t help but be impressed and positively overwhelmed. The gradually growing textures that surround the core on songs like the opener and “Lose You” are perfect examples of this achievement.
Without sinking too far in the past, The Wandas New Wave Blues at times evokes a welcome return to 90’s alternative melancholy innocence with songs like “Fighting A War”, “Trepidation”, and “Bending Over Backwards”. These are songs that would sound right at home on the radio in the mid 90’s while at the same time still sounding new today. In this respect, their songs are not overly processed, becoming a victim to studio trickery like many other recent pop/rock acts, and instead have a feeling of soul and human nature to them. This familiarity adds to the nostalgic feel that New Wave Blues often times delivers. Taking the title New Wave Blues in context, it is clear why this familiarity takes place. It is because The Wandas successfully take the positive elements of 90’s alternative pop/rock, such as that addicting melancholy tinge and charming up-beat pop, and applies them to today, introducing them to a new generation.
The lyrics in The Wandas music is straightforward and to the point but manage to work well with their sound: tight and concise where it needs to be and flowing where they allow themselves to stretch. Keith McEachern’s lyrics of the internal struggles of dealing with relationships and having to face the blemishes of everyday life combined with their pop hooks is a perfect match for a memorable and relatable record. “Thank You Note” sounds as though McEachern is simply reading a letter he wrote to someone and putting it to song , “Thanks for making me laugh when I didn’t feel like smiling/Thanks for taking the time to get to know me.” These terse lyrics are neatly put in front of a background vocal harmony that fill them out and that will easily get stuck in your head. The chiming piano combined with the slide guitar of Brent Battey and echoing vocals on “Everyday (is as bad as Monday)” create a haunting atmosphere that when juxtaposed with their upbeat pop sensibilities lends itself to a unique albeit sometimes down trodden listening experience that characterizes much of the album.
This is not a band resting on its laurels and that is satisfied with getting by with simple pop. The Wandas take the risk of falling under their own weight on “Lose You” with its dramatic outro that pushes their sound to its max that if done incorrectly could have sounded like they were trying too hard, but it manages to work thanks to their laid back demeanor. This is what separates The Wandas from other pop/rock groups today and is an encouraging sign for future development.They are not in your face and pushing themselves on you as many of today’s other acts do. Instead, they have a subtle yet strong reach that lasts. Only time will tell what is in store for The Wandas and where their sound will take them, but for the time being it is a safe bet that they’re here to stay.
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