English indie-pop band, The Wombats, released their third studio album “Glitterbug” on April 13.
The band is comprised of lead singer and guitarist Matthew Murphy, Daniel Haggis on percussion and bassist Tord Øverland Knudsen. All three band members play the keyboards throughout the entirety of the album. Murphy, Haggis and Knudsen met each other at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and formed the band in 2003. “Glitterbug” is the first album that the entire band has had a hand in producing as well as co-producing.
“That’s an important part of making the song process. Especially on this album, a lot of the time Murph would be in Los Angeles and we would work on the backing track and send it over to him, then he’d go in the studio and work on it, then send it back. It was a fun way and a new approach for us to work. The distance created the need for a new method,” Haggis said in a recent interview with groundsounds.com.
The more electric tracks on the album seem to be influenced by pop artists of the 1980s. This is especially evident in the song “This is Not a Party.” This Erasure-esque track showcases the keyboards and allows Murphy’s voice to perfectly harmonize with it. One of the most electronic songs on the album, “This is Not a Party” is filled with interesting keyboard riffs that make the track a refreshing flashback to former pop fame. The keyboard, combined with the fun and upbeat lyrics, creates one fun dance track.
The album’s only true ballad, “Isabel” shows the band’s softer side as they take a break from the fast-paced tracks that surround it. Murphy’s voice is accompanied by a solemn keyboard and a simple kick drum beat. Murphy is able to soften up his voice and plead for “Isabel” to come back to him.
The little break ends abruptly in “Your Body is a Weapon,” which starts off with a bombardment of all their instruments. An uplifting guitar rift that runs throughout the song keeps it interesting and fun. Murphy’s fluctuating vocals compliment the guitar’s odd note changing 100 percent. Toward the end of the song, an odd guitar screech can be heard, which aligns with the high notes being played on the keyboards. The fast lyrics and quick instrumentals make this the perfect cruising song.
“Pink Lemonade” is definitely the most fun song on the album. The perfect chilling by the pool song, “Pink Lemonade” truly showcases the keyboards throughout it. The bass seems to be amplified more in this track than any of the other tracks on the album. The steady beat of the bass keeps the tempo moving as it changes pace quite a few times. While the lyrics seem dark, the beat keeps the listener in a good mood.
The first single released off the album, “Greek Tragedy” starts off with a cosmic-like keyboard piece that immediately interests any listener. The lyrics are imaginative and perfectly describe a relationship that clearly doesn’t work, but the people involved in it really want to make it work.
Overall, The Wombats’ latest album is filled with ‘80s era instrumentals and imaginative, heart-felt lyrics. Definitely a must-listen-to for any avid music listener.
