Welks Mice – BLUB BLUB
Six years, a pandemic, and a whole lot of life later, Buffalo’s Welks Mice have re-emerged with BLUB BLUB, an EP that trades some of the anxious energy of their 2018 debut for a sound that is softer around the edges, but no less genuine. This time around, songwriter Max Weiss and vibraphonist Andre Welks-Fabretti hone in on themes of optimism and openness, their delightfully economical indie-pop providing the perfect backdrop. It’s honest, it’s tender, and it’s our Album of the Week.
Welks Mice’s unique approach to minimalism is a refreshing breath of air in a local scene dominated by distorted guitars and crash cymbals. Welks-Fabretti’s charming vibraphone melodies make up the majority of arrangements, and Weiss’ unabashed ‘cards face-up’ lyrical delivery is disarming and accessible. The combination is distinct in style, blending the best elements of bedroom pop and anti-folk for a sound that would sit nicely next to Belle & Sebastian, Jeffrey Lewis, and The Magnetic Fields.
On BLUB BLUB, Max and Andre expand their instrumental horizons a bit, tapping cellist Katie Weissman for an orchestral touch on a couple songs, namely album highlight “Honesty.” Engineer Derick Evans also peppers the album with a bit of instrumentation, providing the bumbling bass line of “Nashville Cats,” one of the power duo’s best songs to date. Droning synth and a drum machine adorn album closer “Maple Creemees Two,” which handily earns the album accolade for most affecting track.
Weiss’ traditionally unguarded songwriting once again sits front and center, navigating tougher topics like social anxiety and depression through a hopeful lens. He juggles pros and cons of leaving the apartment on “Our World,” gives permission to feel deeply and authentically on “Tape Case,” and even includes breathing exercises on “Piece of Crap.” The album is a celebration of putting yourself out there and often times listens like a peer-to-peer therapy session.
BLUB BLUB is an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing little pockets of emotional complexity within its stripped-down layers after each spin. It’s an openhearted testament to the power of vulnerability, the beauty of simplicity, and the enduring strength of human connection. Available now via Peterwalkee Records, you’ll find digital downloads and limited edition cassette bundles here.
Categorised in: Album of the Week
This post was written by Ronald Walczyk