Wombo’s eerie indie rock is wholesome underneath
The Louisville band share photos and insight ahead of the release of their new album Danger In Fives.
The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.
Wombo's upcoming album Danger In Fives, due August 8, is an album to get lost in. The Louisville band has previously turned to ancient folk tales for influence but on this project they looked inwards, bringing cowbell, technical mishaps, and wonky electronics into the mix as a rich addition to their gloomy post-punk and folk-inspired sound.
This escapist sound cloaks vocalist Sydney Chadwick as she explores the changing nature of her personal relationships and the exhausting trudge of life, filtering these ideas through tales of marine animal behavior and the simple pleasure of walking around a peddlers mall.
This fall, Wombo will embark on a US/UK/EU tour, including stops in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and London. Prior to the start of their tour, the band will mark the release of Danger in Fives with a hometown show at Louisville's Whirling Tiger on August 8.
Ahead of their album release and live dates, we checked in with Wombo about their earliest musical memories, the advice they swear by, the memes they love, and more. See some exclusive photos from the band, too, below.
Describe the first shows you ever went to
Cameron Lowe: It was a hardcore / emo show at Club Oasis, a weird nightclub in the suburbs of Louisville, Ky. I was 13 and remember being uncomfortable but also interested.
Sydney Chadwick: my mom’s boyfriend took us to see Joan Jett and the Black Hearts at the [Kentucky State Fair] when I was a kid. She was in pain for some reason and had to be helped offstage after the show. I remember feeling mad at the audience of drunk people for screaming for her to come back on. But it was admirable and memorable.
Joel Taylor: Maybe the Baton Rouge Orchestra in ‘99, but the first concert I attended on my own accord was The Aquabats at the Agora in Cleveland for my friend Dakota’s 15th birthday. It was super rad.
What’s your sun, moon, and rising sign, and which is the most accurate?
Sydney: Sun is Scorpio, moon is Aries, and rising is Gemini. I’d say Scorpio is the most accurate.
Joel: Aries Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo rising. They all resonate with me.
What was the last movie you watched, and give a short review
Sydney: Last night I watched Shrek. 10/10.
Joel: Been a while since I watched a movie. Does the mini series Island of the Seawolves count? Incredible cinematography and there are so many cute animals to root for.
<b>What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?</B>
Cameron: When we were teenagers we played in a band and I remember an older man telling us “just keep playing music. No matter what, just keep doing it.”
What was the last creative idea you had that made you ask, ‘Can we do that’?
Cameron: Building a waiting room set and outdoor scene in Sydney’s garage for a music video. It seemed far fetched but we pulled it off!
<B>Forward us the last meme that made you laugh</b>
<b>What’s your favorite song to play live right now and why?</b>
Cameron: "In Situ" because it goes so hard live. Joel: "Danger in Fives." It’s just a fun beat. Syd: "Below The House."
<b>Describe the best show you’ve played this year so far</b>
Cameron: At the High Dive in Denver with a band called Mainland Break. The energy is great at the High Dive and there was a balloon drop. Awesome show. Joel: Austin Psych Fest. We played last on the small stage Saturday night just after sunset, in the trees right between Kim Gordon and Darkstar. We had such a prime spot, I didn’t feel worthy!
<b>What’s the best thing you’ve bought yourself recently and why?</b>
Cameron: A radio controlled car timing system. I host a monthly RC cookout race with lots of friends and having the timing system to keep track of the running positions and lap times is really fun. Joel: An electric toothbrush. How am I in my 30s and just now getting on the train? Game changer.
Image credits: Kevin Kohl, Toni Baker, Chloe Barkley unless otherwise stated.