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May 23, 2017 Web Exclusive By Scott Dransfield

Since their 2010-released breakout album, King of the Beach, Wavves has served one main function: as a hook delivery system. This system’s been going strong now for several years. So what should be said about the new Wavves album, You’re Welcome? It’s the Nathan Williams-led power pop band’s sixth record, and it finds them basically attempting to make the same hooky, punchy sweet listening experience they’ve made for nine years. Now that’s not really true, as on this album the band seems to be drawing from a few more diverse elements than they did on 2015’s lackluster V, including bouncy doo-wop beats (“Come to the Valley”) and slightly unhinged Ty Segall-esque garage fuzz (“Exercise”). But any real attempts at evolution are marginal at best, and ultimately You’re Welcome is just another Wavves album, another collection of sugary anthems. Lyrically, Williams surely sounds a bit more downcast than usual, but by the end of the 12-track, 30-minute disc, he’s sweetly crooning “I Love You” alongside a woozy, quick waltz.

Are you planning on spending a lot of time in the sun this summer? Maybe driving around a lot? Are you a surfer? If you answered yes to any of these questions, You’re Welcome will be a great companion for summer 2017. If not, you will probably still nod your head and tap your toes to You’re Welcome, but be aware that this is not music for close listening. Not being able to get the killer hook from “Million Enemies” out of your head is almost worth that sacrifice. (www.wavves.net)

Author rating: 6/10