Wavves' Nathan Williams: Dark Lyrics, Bright New Sound

Wavves' new album, "Afraid of Heights," represents a notable shift from their earlier raw garage sound. This full-length follow-up to "King of the Beach" was produced by John Hill, known for his work with contemporary pop artists.

The production on "Afraid of Heights" is considerably more refined, featuring elements like strings and background vocals by Jenny Lewis, making it suitable for headphone listening. This polished sound contrasts with the album's lyrical content, which remains steeped in themes of self-loathing and existential unease.

Songs like "Dog" and "Beat Me Up" explore subservience, while others touch on broader themes of mortality and isolation. This juxtaposition of bright production and dark lyrical exploration defines the album's unique character.