Every now and then, a band comes along that masterfully fuses the old with the new, drawing inspiration from their predecessors while crafting something uniquely vibey and nostalgic.
Montreal’s garage-pop band, The Wesleys, does just that with their highly anticipated self-titled debut LP, seamlessly blending punk rock, indie, power pop, and alternative influences, released through Petit Village Records.
Comprised of William D’Amours, Quentin Chisolm, Pablo Garcia, and Henry Girard, The Wesleys create music brimming with heart and energy, combining well-crafted melodies into a diverse yet cohesive sound. They fully embrace their DIY ethos, channeling creativity into every aspect of the recording process and ensuring that each song captures the same essence.
In their modest home studio, Garcia’s sound engineering expertise shines, earning him the nickname "Wizard of Sound."
Despite equipment limitations, he consistently delivers high-quality audio with a simple setup and minimal microphones, primarily focusing on achieving a pleasing drum sound and allowing everything else to fall into place.
As Girard explains, “We’ve recorded an album, plain and simple, and did everything ourselves. We’re trying to do it in a way that feels very comfortable and kind of natural.”
Notable tracks on the album include “A Lot To Lose,” “25,” “You Better Believe It,” “Radio Circus,” and “Death By The Bite.”
That said, the album’s opener, “Make It My Way,” packs a punch, immersing you in the band’s sonic world with a driving beat and a twangy guitar melody that kicks in at the 1:15 mark. Confident and driven, the lyrics reflect the band’s resolve to make it on their own terms, perfectly aligning with the song's title.
Following that is “A Lot To Lose,” which evokes a beautifully nostalgic and comforting feel both melodically and lyrically. The lyrics carry the wisdom of an older brother, gently guiding the listener through life’s ups and downs while reminding them that there's still time to choose their own path.
“You Better Believe It” is an uplifting anthem that makes listeners feel truly invincible. With a driving beat, layered melodic guitar lines, and speak-singing, the track radiates a sense of empowerment and determination.
“Radio Circus” stands out as a personal favorite on the album, expertly capturing the essence of calm chaos. The chorus, with its repeated phrase “you learn to let it go,” feels like a refreshing breath of air. The bass line is delightfully prominent, anchoring the intricate melodic layers that swirl above it.
The closing track of the album, “Death By The Bite” is pure unadulterated fun. I can easily imagine this as an absolute banger at their live shows, fueled by adrenaline from layered guitar riffs and drums that perfectly emphasize the vocalist's melody. It’s the perfect track to blast on a car ride or to kick off a lively gathering.
This album is a cohesive gem that offers gentle nuggets of wisdom that sparkle throughout.
With musical nuances that nod to The Pixies, The Clean, and The Shins, The Wesleys embody the collaborative spirit and creative synergy that define great bands.
As a listener and newfound fan, I can confidently say that it’s only up from here.
