Album Review
The WAEVE - The WAEVE
4 StarsCinematic in scope, often luscious in its arrangements, it’s a singular gem.
‘The WAEVE’, this self-titled debut from the pairing of Blur guitarist Graham Coxon and journeywoman songwriter Rose Elinor Dougall is a curious collection of contrasts. Most notably, that between the protagonists’ own voices; Rose’s a strong, smooth and often deep one with an almost RP accent; Graham’s his signature twang, faltering and vulnerable. The rough and the smooth rub up against each other - the squall of Graham’s guitar juxtaposed against slick brass, soaring strings or - in the case of ‘Undine’ - appearing just as the lyrical content threatens to veer into soppy territory. A contrast between Graham’s perceived persona - spiky, contrary, a man who refused to participate once Blur’s exploration of pop culture’s depths went too far - and the lyrics he’s boldly presenting here (“Find the right dream / Taking a chance on forever”). That said, the duo know when to complement each other, too: ‘Drowning’ makes like its title, its layered cacophony creating aural overwhelm. And the clear highlight, ‘Someone Up There’, revels in its convergence: whirring guitars, a punkish bassline and an ‘ooh ooh ooh’ chorus refrain of “You’ve lost your power / It’s all gone sour.” Cinematic in scope, often luscious in its arrangements, it’s a singular gem.
Read More
Green Man unveils Big Thief, Sampha, Sleaford Mods and more for 2024 lineup
Tickets for the Welsh festival sold out before any artists had been confirmed.
1st March 2024, 10:26am
The Waeve release new single ‘Over and Over’
Their new album arrives next week.
19th January 2023, 12:00am
The Waeve release new single ‘Kill Me Again’
Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall will release their debut album next year.
29th November 2022, 12:00am
Popular right now
Featuring Green Day, English Teacher, Everything Everything, Caity Baser and more!