York Calling newcomers Wifey delight with the timeless sound of their album of the year contender, The Butcherbird.
By Graeme Smith
An indie rock group from Sydney, Australia, Wifey is led by two singers – Claire Fearon and Andrew Calvert – who are joined by Kathryn Brownhill on violin, Damon Williams on vocals and guitars, Joel Werner on vocals, bass and glockenspiel, and Graeme Trewin on vocals, drums, and percussion. They’re new to our blog thanks to their upcoming album release, The Butcherbird.
The album is inspired the contradiction that is the bird of the same name. Native to Australasia, it’s known for its beautiful song and unsavoury practices when it comes to its prey. As well as the natural world, the album draws inspiration from more human affairs, including Boomer tech habits and historical matriarchs.
Things get going with the simmering Beauty (I Stooped So Low For). The twin vocals instantly give Wifey a distinct sound, reminiscent of some early Rilo Kiley when Jenny Lewis still graciously shared the lead. A bittersweet story, we also immediately get the theme of contradiction that runs through the album.
Wifey beautifully blend the familiar with the bombastic across the album. Maud Gonne, for instance, pairs a rumbling verse with a soaring chorus. A Tale of Two Tillys has a bright vintage pop feel to its instrumental but a melancholy to its lyrics. Katherine Mary Knight combines a delicate acoustic folk arrangement with some strikingly visceral storytelling.
As the album reaches its final stretch, Chorus Girl proves a punchy highlight, as does Old Pier thanks to its memorable, looping melody and strong sense of atmosphere. The Vessel closes the album in emotional style with some heart-warming call and response vocals.
There’s a timelessness to Wifey’s sound that will appeal to lovers of rock young and old. Each track on their upcoming album is a vibrant wonder. It has to be a late contender for album of the year for me.
The Butcherbird is out 21 December 2024 and you can pre-order it here.
