Wild English’s EP Release Goes For LoFi Fun

The locals showed up for Wild English‘s EP release show at Seattle’s High Dive – a venue that has been racking up stellar lineups as of late – with fun on the brain. And there’s no way that anyone left disappointed. Boasting a great blend of pop, psych, and slacker rock that kept the night moving, there were no dull moments.

Opening the show were The Regrets, who served up throwback pop with a side of fuzz. The four-piece were celebrating in good cheer, and their sound was infectious. Even if their songs were sad, they certainly got people dancing. The band has a debut EP out, but there’s fresh material on the way, including new single, “(You Leave Me) Breathless.” They were a surprise hit that kicked off the night well.

They were followed by Bellingham threesome The Shows, whose debut full-length album Signifier was released in October. Something about their sound read as 90s chick rock, which in their case was just enough to balance their post-punk ethos. The vocal harmonies and writhing guitar were strong, and their energy, in keeping with the theme of the night, was great.

Slacker psych rockers The Daisy Strains got weird with it next. Their set went from 60s Brit-rock to garage surfer, all mashed into a very Northwest-fuzz vibe. Mid-set they broke out a cover of Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” Pabst in hand, crooning away like it was NBD.

Finally, celebrating the release of their second EP, Day Job Vu, we had headliners Wild English. The Seattle four-piece – Elliot Jensen, Nelson Tift, and Corey Campbell, each of whom wrangles both vocals and guitar/bass, and drummer drummer Nick Biscardi – didn’t bother with a set list. They just played, and played hard. Mixing old tracks and new, the band gave it their all, and appeared to be having a lot of fun on stage. Each of the vocalists takes the lead on different tracks, which is apparently also how they write. What it means live is that you get a surprisingly cohesive but fresh turn on each track.

Their sound is lo-fi party rock at its best, and joyful when played live. It’s catchy as hell, slightly disillusioned, and mixes Weezer with Built to Spill. Their cover of the latter’s “Big Dipper” won raves, as did Jensen’s jumping bean moves. While their new EP should be enough to tide you over, the band let everyone know they’re aiming for a full-length in 2017. So keep your ears peeled, and check them out live. They’re joining the ranks of Big Ass Boombox next month. The two-day event – FREE! ALL AGES! – will feature a pretty rocking roster of locals for your listening pleasure.