Nathan Williams is greeted like a conquering hero as he arrives on stage. And it’s easy to see why. He and cohort, drummer Ryan Ulsh, peddle an intoxicating blend of noise-punk with no-wave sensibilities that harks back to grunge as much as it does to garage. The impressive set is culled from the duo’s brace of long-players, the imaginatively titled Wavves and Wavvves. The music veers from short-sharp blasts of energetic pop to quieter moments of grungier introspection (bringing to mind Kurt Cobain circa In Utero). Highlights include the abrasive distortion of ‘Wavves’ itself, the propulsive drumming of ‘Beach Demon’ which careens along with a reckless deathwish, and the exquisite surf-rock of ‘So Bored’.
The energetic pair make for a compelling spectacle. Williams whips his head in circular motions whilst trashing his guitar frantically, only stopping to growl vocals, coo melodically into the mic or take a swig from his can of Dutch Gold. Ulsh pounds out the beat brutally with impressive power and dexterity.
And after an all-too-brief set, they’re gone. A shoo-in for the summer festival circuit I’m sure.