Wednesday’s newest release shows the group at their strongest. I remember listening to “Bull Believer” last year, and knowing immediately it would become one of my favorite songs of the year. I was right, and as the rest of the work follows, I am once again putting this album in the center of my head, only not listening when I’m forced to. The album continues their signature sound that stands out in the crowded indie rock world, and after seeing them at their flea market at TV Eye, solidifies them as rising stars amongst the young alternative crowd.
The album offers a lot of what the group is known for— vocals that are two steps away from yodels, grungy guitar tones, and a lap steel guitar. They always walk this line of contrast. It gives you a feeling of familiarity at first, then takes you to completely new places. The band’s strengths are clear on Rat Saw God, while still leaning into experimentation. The best example of this being “Bull Believer”, an 8 1/2 minute song that rolls into each distinct section flawlessly, ending with a build and release, and a few screams, a recurring element in rock right now, particularly coming from women.
Songwriter and lead vocalist Karly Hartzman sings in a scrapbook of collected stories. The album tells tales of irresponsibility, but coming out of it alive, and now able to look at these experiences and have sympathy for yourself. They’re able to find humor in realism. We’ve all been there in some way— taking your friend to the hospital, local mob rumors, falling asleep with the TV on. There is an earnestness to Wednesday’s music, even through the noise, you can hear the sincerity. Their live performance brought a line down the block to TV Eye and had people in a mosh pit at 4 pm on a Saturday. People seem excited about the new album, particularly the band’s accessibility to their art. Even when promoting the single off the new album “Chosen to Deserve”, the band posted a video about how to play the song. It’s rare for artists to not only present their project but show you how to make it as well. This all comes back to how grounded Wednesday is in everything they make. Rat Saw God feels true to who they are and shows that they’ll be like this forever. Stories will continue to be told no matter how small they might be.