A passionate, contemporary revival from a reliable group enjoying the warmth of fresh inspirations.
12 · 02 · 2025
The Wombats – consisting of Matthew Murphy, Tord Øverland Knudsen, and Dan Haggis – have been impressively productive since their breakout with the 2007 debut, ‘A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation’, featuring the hit tracks ‘Moving To New York’ and ‘Let’s Dance To Joy Division’. Nearly twenty years later, the Liverpool trio returns with their first album since 2022 – their sixth release, ‘Oh! The Ocean’.
The opening track, ‘Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come’, kicks off with a compelling bass-driven introduction that sets a strong groove. It showcases the clever lyricism and playful spirit we've come to expect from the band, indicating they still possess their knack for social commentary and escapism. ‘Can’t Say No’ leans more towards electronic elements, again highlighting Matthew Murphy’s distinctive vocal style, as he reaches for higher notes similar to the opener. The band explores electronic sounds once more with ‘Kate Moss’, marking a sonic departure from other sections of the album, yet it proves to be a successful transition.
‘Blood on The Hospital Floor’ brings listeners back to the group’s roots, with its guitar riff intro reminiscent of early 2000s indie bands. ‘My Head Is Not My Friend’, released ahead of the album, features dry observations about succumbing to trends and enjoying whisky in a bubble bath. While certainly absurd, it manages to resonate, as The Wombats’ wider sonic landscape feels both familiar and innovative – a prominent theme throughout the album. ‘I Love America’ and ‘She Hates Me’ highlight the band's playful and instinctive side, while ‘The World’s Not Out To Get’ features lyrical complexity, adding intensity and heavier guitars in a post-punk dreamscape.
When experienced in its entirety, ‘Oh! The Ocean’ pays homage to The Wombats’ origins while charting a new course towards a more genre-blending future. It marks a delightful comeback for the prominent indie band, interweaving humor, aspirations, and joy throughout the album’s twelve tracks. Their sound boasts a fresh polish that leaves listeners feeling as revitalized as the band.
8/10
Words: Christopher Connor
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‘Oh! The Ocean’ is released this Friday.
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The Wombats - consisting of Matthew Murphy, Tord Øverland Knudsen, and Dan Haggis - have, quite impressively, been highly productive since achieving their breakthrough.