After the success of their first album ‘It Rots,’ four-piece ‘Wet Paint’ return with new album ‘Woe.’ Formed after the demise of ‘Absentee’ in 2008, Wet Paint have openly shown their love for Sonic Youth, Pavement and the like, using their influences in their work. Considering their recent bad luck, including a robbery of their royalties from singer Babak Ganjei’s flat, the title seems particularly fitting.Album opener ‘Gone so Long’ brings us back to Wet Paint’s roots and influences as the lyrics talk about the way music used to be appreciated, from standing at the front of gigs for hours or buying every band t-shirt possible. This is tied into their recent experiences, as the lyrics talk of money loss, and how ‘back then, it was part of the fun.’ With atmospheric guitar lines, yet a simplistic melody, this track is a triumph. A slightly, but unashamedly heavier side of the them is shown in following track ‘Uptight Casuals,’ as there is space for a cracking guitar solo, just before well-placed overlapping vocals, keeping the listener on their toes.
There are subtle references to their experiences throughout, most notably on ‘Distant Memory’ in the line ‘take the money and run.’ The album highlights perhaps lie in the more upbeat offerings, such as ‘Dead Night,’ with its focus on the mismatch chords that strangely come together perfectly. However, that’s not to say that the more laid-back tracks, like album closer ‘Lynchstrumental’ aren’t worth a listen. ‘Lynchstrumental’ for example, give listeners the chance to really appreciate ‘Wet Paint’s’ message, whilst still appreciating the real musical talent of the band. The guitar solo remains, this time at its more atmospheric, offering something that completely brings together all their elements in a stunning album climax.
The downside about this album is how it all fits together. Although the majority of the tracks are stormers and could stand on their own, there’s something missing in the album construction which takes part of this away from them. In this way, part of the magic of the album is lost, which is a real disappointment.
3/5
