Album review: Glitterbug - The Wombats

Ahreo Liebenberg
Apr 27, 2015
2 min read

Recently announced as a headliner for Byron Bay’s Splendour in the Grass 2015 festival, Liverpool indie rockers, The Wombats, are back with their third studio album, Glitterbug- and it’s everything fans had hoped for. Released April 13, the album shines as The Wombats move towards a new, more melodic and irreverent style.

The band spent eighteen months working on the album between the UK and Los Angeles, where lead singer Matthew Murphy resided. During his time in LA, Murphy experienced feelings of isolation and infatuation towards the city’s shiny façade - leading him to explore themes of joy, passion, jealousy and anxiety in the album. Glitterbug channels Passion Pit and The 1975- with a more expansive sound, featuring shimmering synths and drums and making this the perfect pick-me-up album for road trips, late night drives, intimate parties or when your spirits are low.

Watch the new film clip for "Greek Tradegy" below:

Thanks to eighties inspired instrumentals and sequenced dance rhythms, Glitterbug is a cosmic-like experience. “This Is Not A Party” is a standout dance track with its upbeat lyrics and electric sound, and tracks like "Emoticons", "Give Me a Try" and "Greek Tragedy" are more indie pop than indie rock, but are zesty and inviting nonetheless. The album’s lyrics are both confessional and self-reflective, as seen in “Headspace”;

“I’m acting my age here and I’m growing up too fast/ and streets paved with gold/ I want my money back.”

Tracks “Isabel”, “Pink Lemonade” and “Your Body Is a Weapon” are also moody and synth-heavy standouts that are definitely worth the listen. Glitterbug shot straight to number two on the ARIA charts and has received praise from The Rolling Stone as “terrific”. The Wombats have definitely delivered in this dreamy release. Glitterbug brings the gloss; you won’t be disappointed.

Touring details

Weren't lucky enough to get a ticket to Splendour In The Grass this year?

Luckily The Wombats will be playing sideshows in July, visiting Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide!