The Wave Pictures in America

Yup, that's where they are. Despite a curious absence of information on their website the WP's are on a short U.S. tour. Here's a review I stumbled across of last night's show which sounds nice and positive. I've also just found out Tattersall is bringing The Lobster Boat to Nottingham, as well as a few other select venues around the UK, in September. Again, odd that this isn't really promoted anywhere - I found out in a random manner which made me realise how easily I could have missed it.

Anyway, the States! http://secretsoundshop.com/2011/08/18/live-review-the-wave-pictures/

Live Review: The Wave Pictures

Posted on August 18, 2011 by secretsoundshop

David Tattersall. The Wave Pictures. Hollie Jones

By Hollie Jones
It was a warm Wednesday night in New York City’s Lower East Side. It was getting late, nearing 11pm when Dave Tattersall, Franic Rozycki and Jonny Helm took the stage in the dimly lit back from of the Mercury Lounge. Greeted by a sizable but intimate crowd, The Wave Pictures wasted no time and immediately set about engaging with their audience, telling the traumatic tale of their subway journey from JFK the previous evening in a suitably theatrical manner.
A recent Pitchfork review critiqued the trio as a, “distinctly British act”. The fact that this band hail from the UK should not be the talking point of their musical product or live performance. And if their British heritage is to be referenced, its impact on their reception is far from negative. The distinctly British element of this act manifests itself through the band’s polite and charming stage presence, witty lyrical tales and Tattersall’s charismatic, quintessentially English warble. This all emphasizes and compliments the 80s inspired, folk rock sound that the band resonate, contrasting simple guitar chords, bass arpeggiations and soft snare drumming with strong, enigmatic vocals and expertly executed guitar solos.
It was the song writing skill evident throughout the set that really defined the band and served to facilitate a jolly and jovial atmosphere. The group showcased songs that told  stories in a witty and wry way, using imaginative metaphors and clever rhyming couplets to recount anecdotes of heartbreak and failed relationships. Their music takes a bright and blithe approach to tales that are raw and tender, a feature that sets them apart from other contemporary folk bands and makes them a pleasure to watch. The lyrics of ‘Strange Fruit for David’ in particular initiated ripples of laughter throughout the crowd.
For the most part, the group played upbeat, buoyant numbers such as ‘Spaghetti’ and ‘I love you Like a Madman’ sporadically slipping in slightly more somber numbers such as when drummer Jonny Helm departed the drums in order to sing  ‘Now You are Pregnant’. Away from the comfort zone of his drum kit Helm was shy and timid, bashfully stepping away from the microphone showcasing typical British modesty as soon as opportunity allowed, making his presence all the more enchanting. The poignant and emotional lyrics, “you could say sorry ten billion times, but sorry didn’t do what you did/ I threw myself at you and I threw myself away”, were emphasized by the stripped back acoustics featuring no percussion and a very light guitar accompaniments that served to compliment Helm’s captivating performance.
The Wave Pictures will be in the US for another week so you can still catch them live. Secret Sound Shop will most definitely be seeing them again shortly.
AUGUST
18 – Brooklyn, NY – Public Assembly
19 – Philadelphia, PA – North Star Bar
20 – Montauk, NY  – Music To Know Acoustic Session at Sole East Hotel
25 – Brooklyn, NY – The Rock Shop