Fun Fun Fun Fest Artist Profile: Wavves

Image from Rock Louder

Wavves
Saturday, November 6
Waterloo Park (403 E. 15th)
3:30, Orange Stage
[info] | [tickets]

Wavves, the psychedelic noise pop band from San Diego, might have had a few sour notes in past years, but we’re willing to look past that to focus on the real deal—the music. Combining minimalist experimental punk with a laid-back skateboarding-and-pizza kind of image, Wavves songwriter Nathan Williams presents something that is catchy and charming from the get-go. His first two albums, Wavves in 2008 and Wavvves in 2009, were, as one could easily guess, similar. Each album is a collection of scuzzy recordings about girls and goths, with almost identical cover art.

But for Wavves’ latest release, King of the Beach, (we’re glad they didn’t go with Wavvvves) the sound took an ambitious departure, producing slightly more refined recordings. The album features the latest lineup of Nathan Williams, Billy Hayes, and Stephen Pope and was recorded on the Fat Possum Records label. The majority of the songs are written by Williams himself, but Pope and Hayes managed to get a few of their own in as well. Check out the ultra catchy title track, King of the Beach, to get a taste.

In a recent interview with Austinist, Williams talked about how much he enjoys the recording process (with the help of a little pot, of course).

“I mean, one of the few joys I have in life is just being able to record a record. I think it’s the most fun thing in the world to do. And as ridiculous as some of the shit that goes on around and surrounding Wavves, when I actually get a chance to go and record a record and put my stamp on Wavves, something that people will have forever, I actually take it kind of seriously so, I don’t know.”

Later in the interview, Williams isn’t shy to admit his (legal) reliance on pot and says that it’s the key that keeps him from getting frustrated during the recording process. He even sells pot grinders on his website. All part of the image, we guess. His style has since kick-started a movement of similar experimental surfer/punk artists such as No Age and Best Coast.

Wavves are currently touring all over the place and even opening for Phoenix, but they saved a spot on the list for FFF Fest. Catch them Saturday at 3:30 at the Orange Stage.

Wavves: [myspace] [official]