Wavves Announce New Album "Spun" and Summer Tour: A Return to Form for the Band
On April 15, 2025
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights
- Introduction
- A Fresh Start with "Goner"
- The Journey to the New Album
- Upcoming Tour: A Summer Revival
- The Impact of Travis Barker
- Wavves’ Legacy and Future Directions
- FAQ
Key Highlights
- Wavves will release their new album, Spun, on June 6, 2025, via Ghost Ramp.
- The leading single, "Goner," produced by Travis Barker, marks a notable detour in the band's creative journey.
- The band will embark on a North American summer tour featuring various opening acts, with an initial leg supported by Death Lens and a later leg featuring Chokecherry.
Introduction
Surprising evolutions can breathe new life into a music career. For Nathan Williams and his band Wavves, the announcement of their latest album, Spun, accompanied by the release of the single "Goner," signals a significant moment. Produced by one of pop-punk's most iconic figures, Travis Barker, "Goner" illustrates the band's desire to explore new sonic landscapes while reflecting on their roots. As they prepare to hit the road for a summer tour, Wavves stands poised to reconnect with fans, reminding them why they emerged as pioneers of the lo-fi surf-punk sound in the late 2000s.
A Fresh Start with "Goner"
"Goner" is not just another addition to Wavves’ discography; it represents a revitalization for Williams, who candidly shared that the song had been a long-term project that never quite hit the mark until his collaboration with Barker ignited its potential. Williams described the process, "I had this song I had been sitting on... Eventually, it was giving me PTSD." This statement hints at the emotional weight that influences the songs within Spun. Co-writing with Barker not only refined "Goner" but ensured that it resonated with current music trends while maintaining Wavves’ core essence.
The accompanying music video, directed by Brandon Dermer, combines vibrant visuals with a nostalgic aesthetic that captures the spirit of the song. As the video unfolds, viewers experience a blend of celebration and introspection—showcasing Wavves’ growth as artists while honoring their origins.
The Journey to the New Album
Wavves, part of a vibrant music scene that includes other West Coast bands, has navigated various ups and downs since their formation in 2008. They have often combined intricate melodies with lo-fi aesthetics, creating a sound that is both accessible and introspective. With previous albums like King of the Beach and Afraid of Heights, Wavves has successfully carved out a distinctive niche.
However, the band's trajectory is marked by periods of uncertainty and reinvention. Following the mixed reception of their last project, You’re Welcome, the decision to align with Barker marked a pivotal shift. This collaboration opens the door for newfound energy and innovation. Barker’s seasoned expertise, particularly in producing punk and pop-punk tracks, brings an enhanced sense of rhythm and structure to the unrefined, chaotic essence that has characterized Wavves’ style.
Upcoming Tour: A Summer Revival
Wavves have announced an extensive North American summer tour to promote Spun, showcasing their revived enthusiasm as they prepare to engage with audiences once again. The tour kicks off on June 24, wrapping up the month with a series of shows across major cities including San Francisco, Vancouver, Chicago, and Brooklyn.
Tour Dates
- June 24: Santa Cruz, CA @ The Atrium
- June 25: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
- June 27: Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
- June 28: Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl
- June 29: Seattle, WA @ Neumos
- July 2: Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
- July 3: Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
- July 5: Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
- July 6: Detroit, MI @ El Club
- July 8: Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
- July 9: Montreal, QC @ Theatre Fairmount
- July 10: Boston, MA @ The Sinclair
- July 11: Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
- July 12: Washington, DC @ Union Stage
- July 13: Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
- July 15: Atlanta, GA @ The Loft
- July 16: New Orleans, LA @ Tipitina’s
- July 17: Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
- July 18: Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves
- July 19: Austin, TX @ Mohawk
- July 21: Albuquerque, NM @ Sister
- July 22: Tucson, AZ @ 191 Toole
- July 23: Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
- July 24: San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park
- July 25: Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda
Tickets are set to go on sale April 4 at 10 AM local time, and the excitement builds as fans align their summer plans to experience the band live.
The Impact of Travis Barker
With a career defined by his contributions to blink-182 and collaborations with numerous artists across genres, Travis Barker’s influence on “Goner” cannot be overstated. Renowned for his energetic drumming style and creative production techniques, Barker’s work often epitomizes the essence of early 2000s pop-punk—a genre that many fans associate with nostalgia and youthful exuberance. His involvement with Wavves offers listeners a glimpse into a more polished yet still raw reflection of the band's identity.
Experts suggest that Barker's guidance could potentially redefine Wavves as they plug into larger, contemporary audiences. As Williams and Barker navigate the studio, the melding of their styles may augment Wavves' beloved sound while attracting new listeners who appreciate modern pop-punk.
Wavves’ Legacy and Future Directions
As Wavves prepares to immerse themselves in the live music scene once more, questions arise about their long-term direction. Their prior work garnered a cult following, and returning to prominent stages presents an opportunity to introduce a new generation to their sound.
The critical reception of Spun will likely influence how Wavves continues to evolve. The immediacy of fan reactions post-release and during live performances will inform their musical trajectory moving forward. Should “Goner” resonate with audiences, Wavves could capitalize on this upswing, driving further artistic experimentation in future projects.
It's a delicate balance—preserving the raw energy that fans adore while embracing maturation in songwriting and production. Williams remains aware of this challenge: "I want to grow and evolve, but I also want to stay true to what makes us… us."
FAQ
What is the release date for Wavves' new album?
The album, titled Spun, is scheduled for release on June 6, 2025.
Who produced the new single "Goner"?
"Goner" was produced by Travis Barker, known for his work with blink-182 and many other artists.
When do tickets go on sale for the Wavves summer tour?
Tickets will be available for purchase starting April 4 at 10 AM local time.
What cities will Wavves be touring?
Wavves will tour numerous cities across North America, including Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, among others.
Can we expect new music beyond Spun?
While specifics on future projects have not been announced, Nathan Williams has expressed interest in continuing to evolve as a musician, suggesting that more new music may be forthcoming.
Wavves' journey has always been about reinvention. With Spun and a summer of live performances ahead, the band is poised to reaffirm its place in the vibrant landscape of alternative music while inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to join them in this exciting new chapter.
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