Album of the Week: Weaves – Wide Open

Toronto alternative rock act Weaves have been giving independent music an eccentric jolt. They have an art-punk sound that incorporates jangle pop and abstract harmonies. Their second LP, Wide Open, came out Oct 6 on the Brooklyn indie label Kanine Records and it’s a stellar follow-up to their acclaimed self-titled debut that came out during the summer of 2016. The way Jasmyn Burke sings is tough to pin down with her unique delivery that exudes a screaming soul. Morgan Waters on guitar holds down particular progressions, and the rhythms supplied by drummer Spencer Cole and bass guitarist Zach Bines generate infectious energy.

The main difference between Wide Open and Weaves’ debut is the amount of fearlessness. On their debut, it was apparent that the band was still trying to shed their nerves. Their latest release pushes artistic boundaries and Burke finds a charismatic identity. She also confronts various issues in today’s society through her lyrics. Musically, the sound is more noisy and distorted than their previous material along with bringing a variety of tones.

Musical inventiveness is a rarity these days. Everyone wants to sound like their idols or, even worse, they sacrifice what they genuinely enjoy so they can get with what’s “popular.” It’s refreshing to see a band like Weaves doing whatever they want and making it sound good. The anticipation for their next release is bound to be mounting by the end of the year. Let’s take a closer look at this band’s inventiveness with my top tracks off of my Album of the Week:

“Slicked” has a sonic funk vibe that’s smooth as silk; Cole and Bines are vital to the way it sounds by serving as the anchor for the track’s structure. There’s a plethora of fuzz within “La La” along with the song being an excellent example of Burke’s soulful charisma. Stripped down a bit while still maintaining the energy exhibited in the rest of the album is “Gasoline,” where Waters’ guitar isn’t as amplified but Burke’s vocal presence makes up for it in more ways than one.

Weaves are currently embarking on a tour throughout North America and Europe until later in the fall. New England live music addicts have two chances to check them out at ArtsRiot in Burlington, VT, on Oct 12 and at the Middle East in Cambridge, MA, on the following night. There will be no excuses when it comes to multiple opportunities to see a really cool band live in person. If you’re at either show, grab a copy of Wide Open. This album is expansive and enjoyable – and all you have to do is press play.

Stream Wide Open via Bandcamp:
weaves.bandcamp.com/album/wide-open-lp

Web site:
weavesband.com