Song of the Day: Wavves - You're Welcome

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unrealeased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is “You're Welcome” by Wavves from their 2017 album, You're Welcome, on Nathan Williams's own label, Ghost Ramp.

Wavves - You're Welcome (MP3)

San Diego band Wavves has been cranking out grimy surf rock for almost ten years, starting as the solo project of Nathan Williams before expanding into a four-piece band. The project's early days were marked by garage-pop anthems that bridled with angsty effortless energy. Each successive Wavves album has added new wrinkles to their sound (whether it was filling out the band or the more mature song writing of 2013's Afraid of Heights) but the group has always managed to keep the core of their sound intact. You're Welcome, their 2017 album, continued the trend by incorporating more sample and synth based sounds. The result is a smoother Wavves experience, that offers just as much punch as their lo-fi beginnings. Title track and song of the day "You're Welcome" serves as a perfect example. On it, ghostly "ooos" and an eerie synth battle Williams' chanting chorus and a hectic guitar arrangement. The song marches along with a frenetic energy, showcasing Williams at his chaos-inducing best once again.

Wavves just finished up a U.S. tour and performed in Seattle earlier this week, but keep up with the band on their website and Facebook for any future updates. Also, check out the video for fellow You're Welcome track "Million Enemies" below: