Wavves' 2021 album
Hideaway didn't come easy for the long-running SoCal band. After a number of sessions that didn't work out, leaving the group wondering if they were on the right track, they met up with producer Dave Sitek and managed to hit the finish line at last. The resulting album captures the band's bratty grunge punk sound crisply and with minimal fuss. After the left-field swerve that was 2018's sample-heavy, oddball pop gem
You're Welcome, this is a return to the bright and glossy sound of
V and
Afraid of Heights. The punchy songs and unassuming approach mean it leans more toward the former than the latter, and that's a good thing.
Wavves are at their best when they keep it simple and don't aim for the back row of the club, and that's what they do here. They deliver amped-up rockers like "Thru Hell" and "My Prize" that pair downed-wire guitars with Nathan Williams' wounded howl, thumping neo-grunge anthems (the title track, "Planting Gardens"), a rambling countrified tune that's totally out of the blue ("The Blame"), and a handful of almost subtle midtempo tracks that show some legitimate growth as musicians. When they started out as a band, not many would have guessed they'd sound convincing on songs as casually restrained as "Sinking Feeling" or as prom-ready as "Honeycomb." "Caviar" even sounds like the work of a different band entirely as Williams pours his heart out over a '50s pop chord progression, tinkling bells, warm-as-fresh-bread vintage organ, and a rhythm that gives
Santo & Johnny a run for their relaxed money. Overall, it makes for a very balanced record, almost adult oriented and possibly even commercial, though it doesn't try too hard. That last factor is what truly makes the album a success, since when
Wavves do try too hard they tend to fall flat. This easygoing, smooth, and poppy record stands tall next to their finest work and only comes up a little short because it lacks the one or two killer songs that make their best albums really pop. Still, it's a nice addition to their catalog and perfect for fans of loud but not too loud, wild but not too wild, modern rock & roll. ~ Tim Sendra