Wavves - I Wanna Meet Dave Grohl

Wavves will never be remembered as a band who changed the world. They will be remembered for being in the right place at the right time all the time. They will be remembered for having connections with other bands vital to particular moments or scenes that have a resonance. They have been through several line-up changes during their three year existence. In many ways they are a classic band, ticking boxes and fulfilling stereotypes wherever they go. And now as they ready new E.P “Life Sux”, Wavves seem to have finally turned into to the band they always threatened they could be. “I Wanna Meet Dave Grohl” is dumb, unchallenging and simplistic. It is also one of the best pop records of the year.


Nathan Williams’ voice, once caught in an eternal struggle between a frazzled male Ronette and a whiny beach bum drawl, is now firm and full. The song has a sense of completion to it that has been lacking from so many of Wavves’ previous efforts, a smooth three note riff and a super fuzzy bassline are wrapped up in a sea of thunderous percussion. It’s thrilling, it’s fun and above all, it’s the work of a group who have finally found their feet. That the song had it’s debut on the soundtrack to a new MTV show (the wonderfully named “I Just Want My Pants Back”) that aired after the VMA awards, bringing them to the attention of the  wider audience that always been just out of their reach. It’s been a long time coming, but Wavves finally feel like they band they’ve always threatened they could be.

By Ned Powley