Wavves Crash Into Chicago

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 8, 2010 6:20PM

The end of summer is quickly approaching; we’re now in the last two weeks of the official season, and it’ll soon be time to pack away the cut off shorts and flip flops. But with San Diego-based trio Wavves bringing its sunny, stoner surf-punk to Chicago this weekend, at least we can give summer a proper send-off.

The band is touring in support of its third full-length album, King of the Beach, released August 3 on Fat Possum Records. Rather than embracing the gritty, lo-fi feel that marked its previous albums, the band takes its sound in a less scuzzy, more polished direction this time around. The album’s fuller, richer sound is due in part to the new members, Billy Hayes and Stephen Pope, formerly of the late Jay Reatard’s touring band. Frontman Nathan Williams, who wrote most of the songs, is still using his lyrics to touch on subjects such as loneliness, apathy, and of course smoking pot - but with infectious pep, Beach Boy-inspired melodies, and a healthy amount of oohing and aahing.

It seems like Wavves is maturing. Maybe Williams’s onstage meltdown at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound Festival, which led to the loss of his drummer and in turn the gain of his new rhythm section, was a well-received lesson for the tantrum-throwing frontman; rather than pulling out of the game after a good public scolding, he redeemed himself with what is Wavves best album yet. Of course, being the target of flying beer bottles, an angry sea of boos, and later a slew of negative press would be a good kick in the keister for anyone. You can catch the band this Sunday at Lincoln Hall, along with San Diego tour mates Christmas Island and Chicago punk act Killer Whales. And if you’re interested in watching an alien skateboard and star in a dressing room montage, check out Wavves new video for “Post Acid.”

Wavves plays Sunday, September 12 at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln, 7 p.m., $12 in advance or $14 at the door, All Ages