It’s here, it’s here, it’s finally here! Ever since I accidentally caught Derry indie-pop sensations the Wonder Villains a few years ago at Glasgowbury I’ve been hooked. Their unique brand of happy-go-lucky pop is insanely infectious and their debut album Rocky has just been released.
The album as a whole has a very summery feel to it. Lots of synth, catchy hooks and upbeat melodies make this a great one to stick on repeat. We’re used to their buoyant pop classics such as TV, Oh Peter, and Zola – songs about TV shows and TV characters (I watch a lot of TV, so it’s those songs that I can really relate to), but it’s the newer songs on this album that show that this Derry quartet are growing up.
Eimer’s vocals are filled with little nuances and idiosyncrasies that rally drive each song forward and get them stuck in your head for weeks. It’s impossible not to dance along to songs like the peppy Blonde which make this album an easygoing, synth fueled celebration of being young.
As I said before, TV, Oh Peter and Zola will always be Wonder Villain‘s classics full of electronic references and sounds and it’s great to finally hear them properly recorded in a real life studio. It really does these songs justice and they are definitely destined to be hits in the near future.
In terms of a slightly new, more grown up sound Fiction delivers a more reserved, sombre tone, whilst Golden Five is a slight departure from the usual super happy upbeat party tracks that the Wonder Villains usually produce. Starting out with a solemn sounding keyboard and Eimer’s whispered vocals, this nostalgic song soon kicks it up a notch and delivers just the right level of fun, whilst still telling a great story.
As the first few lines of Debbie ring out, Eimer’s distinct Northern Irish twang wouldn’t go amiss in a Bee Mick See track. The simple backing track of funky guitars and splashy cymbals make this song about partying and having a good time something really special.
A lot of people have waited a long time for this album, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. This album has it all. The infectious pop songs that we’re well used to from these four, alongside some more considered and reflective songs all rolled into one summery package of joy. If you’re a fan of having a good time and dancing a lot, then there really is no excuse to go ahead and buy it now.
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