Everything Affects Me Now
Occasionally, one of your favorite bands is able to pull a fast one on you. That happened a few weeks ago when The Wombats’ frontman, Matthew “Murph” Murphy released the debut album from his side project, Love Fame Tragedy. Sometimes Josh and I get so caught up in identifying new artists to listen to that we lose track of the goings-on of those that have been staples to us. Trust that when that happens, we are quick to remedy the situation.
The Wombats have been a constant in my playlists since 2007’s A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation. The indie-pop/rock darlings have held a special place in my heart ever since. I’m not sure what originally drew me in, but it was definitely some degree of the raw, emotional lyrics and hooks that one so easily identifies with through their “formative” years.
Apparently a huge component of that gravitational pull was Murph himself. His newest musical contribution has drawn upon contributions from members of some of my favorite bands including The Pixies, The Killers, Crystal Fighters, Gang of Youths, and alt-J.
If you thought the work of The Wombats was emotional (if you aren’t familiar, spoiler alert: they are), wait until you listen to Murph’s new album, Wherever I Go, I Want to Leave. I can’t attest to Murph’s mindset in writing the album, but to me, it is the soundtrack of quarantine. It hits on notes of anxiety, uncertainty, responsibility, and love. All of those things are at the forefront of most minds trying to logically process and progress through our current situation, and this gives an avenue to navigate those feelings.
Some songs are lighter-hearted than others, but, to me, they all maintain the general warmth that is associated with The Wombats while getting to the core of what music should be: fun. Music is art, and Murph has perpetually embodied that to me.
Love Fame Tragedy’s live performances are a bit of an unknown right now as they don’t have much available online, and as this is the window when they would be touring to support their debut, I’m at a loss. But, that being said, as a lifelong fan of The Wombats and of Murph, and with an exorbitant amount of hours listening to this album, I’m comfortable providing an enthusiastic recommendation. Listen now. Listen loud.
Spread the music. Spread the love.
Cheers,
Travis
As I mentioned, there aren’t loads of live sessions, but what there is, is high quality. “Riding a Wave” will be a consistent encore when live shows are a thing again.
This one can fire on different cylinders. What is “Multiply” about to you?
This Adventure Time-esque video may become an anthem to quarantine. “Everything Affects Me Now” hits on anxieties and more that may be prevalent in these times.
