Wavves
“King Of The Beach”
5 out of 5 stars

Some may have expected this album to be a misstep. The frontman, Nathan Williams, had problems with drugs and alcohol that caused him to attack the now former drummer Ryan Ulsh on stage in Barcelona, which led to the tour’s cancellation. However, this album is the furthest thing from a misstep. “King of the Beach” is, ironically, full of self-deprecating lyrics, as found on songs such as “Idiot,” “Green Eyes” and “Super Soaker.” They may be a form of apology from Williams.

The songs, from the opener, “King of the Beach” to the single “Post Acid” to the last song, “Baby Say Goodbye” are still really, really catchy. Even the cutesy “Convertible Balloon” is very good. If you like surf rock or lo-fi you’ll enjoy this amazing album.

Key Tracks: “King of the Beach,” “Post Acid” and “Super Soaker”
-Matt Jannetti
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Arcade Fire
“The Suburbs”
4.5 out of 5 stars

It seems Arcade Fire is aiming to take over the world with the release of their third album. Not only did “The Suburbs” debut at No. 1 on the charts in the U.S., UK, Canada, Ireland, Belgium and Portugal, but its second night at the legendary Madison Square Garden on Aug. 5 was streamed live on YouTube.

“The Suburbs” is a return to form for the seven-piece band, after the often negatively critiqued “Neon Bible” in 2007. Inspired by living in the suburbs of Houston in their youth, it may seem that the album would drudge on forever at 16 songs, but it plays quite the opposite. Despite the depressing subject of the songs, the album seems less serious than their sophomore effort. As much of a pleasure it is to listen to vocalist Win Butler, the highlight of the album is “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains),” a synth-heavy song sung instead by Butler’s wife and fellow bandmate Regine Chassagne.

Key Tracks: “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains),” “Ready To Start” and “The Suburbs”
-Caitlyn Preciado