The Verse’s Will Craigie previews The Wave Pictures’s upcoming show at Komedia on the 21st November.
First formed in 1998, The Wave Pictures is an English indie-rock band comprising vocalist David Tattersall, Franic Rozycki on bass and Jonny Helm on drums. Before then, they were called Blind Summit, ditching this for their current (and catchier) name. They recorded and self-released their albums until they joined Moshi Moshi Records in 2006. To get an idea of the band’s sound, your best bet would be to imagine a combination of Morrissey’s, The Rolling stones and Jarvis Cocker.
In their music video for The Running Man, the band performs brilliantly to an empty social club. The video reflects the band’s energy because they lack a wide audience but evoke the indie-rock sounds of the past beautifully.
Above all, I feel I should mention that their songs are really fucking funny. Orange Juice repeatedly uses the line, “The radio sucks balls” – an explicit comedic reflection of their attitude towards popular music. They do not seek publicity or produce material that fits in with what is popular in the music industry. Their videos are also gloriously low budgeted and are unlikely to even be considered for MTV. This level of success suits them. Despite that, their name is going up in the indie-scene thanks to punk legend Billy Childish producing their 2015 album, Great Big Flamingo Burning Moon.
Forever hard workers, the band are returning with their second studio album this year, following A Season in Hull with latest release Bamboo Diner in the Rain. With such a strong repertoire of material, their show this month is sure to be a entertaining, fun-filled night.
The Wave Pictures play Komedia in Brighton on the Monday 21st November 2016. For tickets, go here.
