Wavves is mostly one young guy, Nathan Williams from San Diego. Would he learn to play better, or record in a studio that doesn't sound like his cousin's basement, if he could? Hard to say. There are some appealing moments of inspiration when the feedback soars and the drums chug along efficiently, but most of the music's charm is home-grown. It feels like anybody could be this kid, singing lyrics like “I'm so bored, life's a chore,” noodling around with reverb, occasionally taking brief flight in a Sonic Youth-style soundscape (“Goth Girls”) or paying homage to the Ramones with surprisingly crisp rhythm guitar, as on “No Hope Kids.”

Behind the distortion, a Pixies-style approach to loud-soft dynamics and raw/pretty vocal harmonies can be heard. Even the longest tracks clock in around three minutes, but there are dark, heavy forces at work here; Williams could easily expand some of the noisier, more improvisational stuff into eight minute epics if he felt so inclined.

Wavves has gotten quite a bit of buzz online, and no wonder. Williams appeal is immediate and accessible, and despite a recent freak-out at the 2009 Barcelona Primavera Sound Festival, we surely haven't heard the last of this young man or his music. Whether future musical directions will resemble the lo-fi oddity of this record is something we don't yet know, but surely Williams has more tricks up his sleeve. We'll be looking forward to more output from Wavves, if he hasn't been spooked by the effusive blog love and media attention. For our part, we'll just remain patient.

-Donna Blumenfeld