Weller: Weller

If you’re searching for the next great local coffee shop band, Weller is it. The trio’s self-titled album is just the right amount of calm for a small town, yet carries enough irony and nostalgia to breakthrough to the mainstream. This is the kind of band you root for in the B story of a teenage movie, the kind of band that comes together unexpectedly yet fits so naturally. Weller is grainy and earthy, the perfect soundtrack for a hike in the woods or a month’s long road trip through the backroads of America.

The overarching theme of this record is a coy melancholy irony that comes easily through each track. There’s a sense of mourning in the tone of voice used, the lyrics harping on a cruel reality of loss and pain masked by a buzzed tenderness. When backed up by head bopping beats, Weller easily disguises these feelings with a happy-go-lucky attitude. The depth of this band makes them all the more easy to listen to, giving this debut album a pocketful of introspective contradictions that are relatable and nostalgic. What comes most easy to Weller is what is hard for everyone else to access.

With a soft voice reminiscent of Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons, Harrison Nantz guides the listener through familiar situations with a knowing grin. The work of Evan Clark Moorehead and Jeremy Berkin provides an excellent backdrop of musical melody and harmony. Though the length of Weller leaves much to be desired, almost every track is a gem. Some highlights include “Answer Anything”, “Boroughs”, and “Every Other Day”. “Standard” is a top pick for a hit on mainstream radio because of its ability to showcase the band’s lyrical and musical talent. Though there are points where Weller’s inner bro band stands out, their music is honest and fruitful, which puts a nice spin on the DIY genre of indie music.

Rating: 7.5/10

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