American indie rock band Wednesday released their fifth album Rat Saw God on April 7th, 2023. This is another artist that I feel like could be good to play on Evolution! This is also the first album I’ve reviewed with a FEMALE vocalist, so big win for us gals with this one.
Wednesday is an American band from North Carolina that formed in 2017. Fun fact, the band’s vocalist, Karly Hartzman, was apparently inspired to start playing guitar after watching pop artist Mitski’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Their previous albums have all been within the indie rock, shoegaze-y, noise rock realm, but Rat Saw God leans into the noise rock elements a lot more. The album is short–only 10 tracks and 37 minutes long. The album evokes an American southern, almost suburban hell feeling. Listening to it made me think of spending sun-drenched summer afternoons outside as a kid with nothing better to do.
“Bull Believer” is the standout track on this album. At eight minutes and thirty seconds long, it serves as almost the centerpiece of the album, despite only being the second track. Karly Hartzman’s vocals are distinct–she has a very specific vocal style, which is squeaky and somewhat monotonous, but these are assets, not detriments. I’m a huge fan of female vocalists that have a unique sound, and Hartzman fits the bill. Her vocals match the tone of the music perfectly. Her lyrics also tell beautiful, sometimes painful stories. Also, her screams on “Bull Believer” really make the song special.
I like the noise rock-country fusion thing they have going on, too. Admittedly, on my first listen, I understood what they were trying to do, but thought it kind of fell flat. After giving it another listen, I had a change of heart. Despite the fact that noise rock is having its moment right now in the music scene, Rat Saw God deserves the praise it has been receiving, and does the noise rock thing well.
My favorite tracks are “Bull Believer” and “Turkey Vultures”. This album is good–it’s not my favorite of the year, but I enjoyed it. I feel like Wednesday has potential to sound truly great, but they need to potentially stop appealing to what’s trending in music right now and find their own distinct sound.
If you’re looking for a decent indie rock/noise rock record to get into a summery mood, I’d recommend Rat Saw God. I also really love the title itself, I think it’s funny to imagine a rat seeing God. Anyway, I’d give it 3.5/5 stars. Check it out, if you feel like it!