Wave Machines at Village Underground

Quirky rock disco group Wave Machines brought their party mantra to the Village Underground for the launch of Club Attitude. The new event is curated by the charity Attitude is Everything, which works tirelessly to improve deaf and disabled people’s access to live music.  Great efforts were made in the same interest at Village Underground, including an alternative wheelchair friendly entrance, and a sign language interpreter onstage to accompany the acts. 

Headlining were Wave Machines, who have been absent from the charts for a while and are currently on tour promoting the recent release of their sophomore album, Pollen. With it being over three years since their debut, Wave if You’re Really There, fans and partygoers alike were filled with anticipation of what was to come.

The Merseyside four-piece were quick to establish their presence with Home, which incorporates the heaviest of kick drums, thumping its way towards a heart-pounding conclusion. The sparsity of this track is a direct contrast with the likes of I Hold Loneliness and Unwound, which are messy mixes of arpeggio synths and swooping samples that somehow come together. 

Blood Will Roll is an impressive 80s mirage of Prince and Joy Division, and a development of the Klaxons. The new material from the band’s latest LP appears to be well received – the fans began to really enjoy the atmosphere at this point. Recent single Ill Fit was a highlight, overshadowing old favourites The Greatest Escape We Ever Made and Keep the Lights on, which are still dance floor pleasers.

Overall, it was an impressive performance from the indie rock quartet who proved that they have stepped up in artistry. Front man Tim Bruzon’s exaggerated shriek of a falsetto may be an acquired taste and needed some warming up, but once in the zone, the light-hearted nature of the band’s sound is quickly endearing. With the song-writing style of the Bee Gees and the playfulness of Har Mar Superstar, Wave Machines are an enjoyable live band.

Verdict: •••

Samuel Mensah

Photos: Adam Imiolo

For further information about Wave Machines and future events, click here.

Watch the video for I Hold Loneliness here