The Wombats: Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life

Emily Zemler on March 15, 2018


“I don’t know how to deal with these New York City blues,” Wombats frontman Matthew “Murph” Murphy howls on “White Eyes,” a standout track on the band’s fourth album. It’s an isolating sentiment, especially since the now-scattered members of the Liverpool band had to deal with long distance when writing the album. Sending ideas back and forth before meeting up in Oslo to work in the same room seems to have benefited the band, which manages to wrap a world’s worth of influences into one cohesive rock-and-roll album. There’s a real fervor to these songs, as if they intentionally imbued each recording with augmented vigor and intent. “Out of My Head,” a propulsive rock anthem, deals with coming face to face with yourself as Murphy looks inward and isn’t completely pleased with what he sees. “Turn,” a similarly motion-driven number, embraces recklessness, asserting, “They say the best memories are the ones we forget.” There’s a lot of strut in these tracks, although the musicians aren’t afraid to allow for moments of sincerity as well. “Dip You in Honey,” which arrives toward the end of the album, is a shimmery pop-rock number built from layers of guitar riffs and crooning vocal melodies. It’s pleasingly sweet, as the title might suggest, and evidence of how well simplicity can work. This isn’t necessarily the deepest album, but its lyrics are memorable and its melodies are catchy, which goes a long way.

Artist: The Wombats
Album: Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life
Label: KOBALT