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Single/Download Review
The Wave Pictures/ The Werewandas WIAIWYA Singles Club Where It's At Is Where You Are
Article written by
Ged M - Feb 8, 2012
Rather than a proto-punk song by Love, '7 and 7 Is' could describe the first two releases in the WIAIWYA 2012 Singles Club, which will release 7 singles on 7" in editions of 777 in 2012. I hope John Jervis has more success with his numerology than Canvey Island harmonica-slinger Lew Lewis, who released a single on Stiff called 'Lucky Seven' in 1978 and received a 7 year stretch for armed robbery in 1987.
The first 7", on pea green vinyl, is the Wave Pictures at their most winsome. ‘Salt’ is bitter like dark chocolate, with an intense flavour highlighted by intricate picking. ‘Sugar Maple Charcoal’ has the feel of Herman Dune and an almost tropical lightness, with a gorgeous murmur of melodica, while ‘New Born Deer’ is slow and hushed, with violin softly sighing. You can’t mistake the Wave Pictures’ sound and these are three top tunes.
The Werewandas are the second release, on violent violet vinyl. If the Wave Pictures are more studious, these cats are playing for kicks. The short and catchy ‘Dig My Grave’ is a joyous mess of surf guitar and sounds like Wanda Jackson singing the Batman theme. ‘Nothing Left To Do But Cry’ has a distinct rockabilly twang and the bluesier ‘Now And Forever’ slows it down and pours on the emotion, Holly Golightly style. The mystical number concept is fun but these songs really add up.