Tag Archives: Alex Gates

WAVVES @ YES, Manchester. 17th February 2026

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Last week over 20 years of waiting, I finally saw Deftones and last night after waiting since 2009 to see them live, I FINALLY saw Wavves. I had tickets for a show in 2015 (I think) but couldn’t make it in the end, I was beyond upset so after YEARS of waiting, it finally happened. Was it worth the wait? It absolutely was. Did I leave the gig unable to hear anything? Again, yes!

Yesterday I wrote about the support act WHTVRMNS, and even though they only have 2 songs up online- I just knew that their live set would be something magical. I wasn’t wrong- they were perfect and it felt like they were playing the headline set at YES. In time (soon), they probably will to be honest because a band like that are destined for it. A gorgeous set which was a real joy to see. The way they play together on stage is a thing of beauty too because you can not only tell they love making music, but they totally adore each other too, and that’s part of why you cannot help but love the band.

Wavves hit the stage and part of me feels I’ve made a daft decision by standing SO close to the speakers- it’s a future me problem. The set was a strong mix of old and very new songs, and every single song was pretty much yelled back at the band. Pints were thrown, cigarettes and glasses (not the drinking kind) ended up on the stage. A bunch of crowd surfing too happened- all of which made this Tuesday night pretty damn special. Now if I’d ever seen Wavves live before, I’d have declared this as the best I’d ever seen them but sadly, I cannot declare that. I can, however, say that this was one of the most exciting shows I’ve ever been to. I knew it’d be rowdy and pints would be thrown in the crowd, but you know what? People weren’t arseholes about it. Everyone here bloody loved the band and was there for THEM and to not be total idiots. I’ve seen it happen a lot, but thankfully people were pretty cool last night.

For me, it was always going to be Green Eyes that would own my heart BUT the band played So Bored which was one of the first ever songs I heard by Wavves and it’s the song that got me hooked. Of course, King Of The Beach got one of the biggest reactions of the night but even new songs like Bozo and Goner were screamed back. Afraid Of Heights was right up there as one of my highlights for sure- lyrically this song has always owned a piece of me, and to see it live was such a great experience. Post Acid was a riot too- and everyone went nuts to this. It’s one of the best Wavves songs but seeing it live makes it mean so much more. Fucking incredible. Demon To Lean On claimed and owned my heart too. Man, it was such a joyful night. I’d love to be at a Wavves show every night. I mean, my body may hate me for it but the energy on and off stage was just beautiful. Definitely one of my favourite shows of any band I’ve seen in Manchester.

Proper Mancunian (or just delightful Northern humour) shone through when Alex was doing soundcheck, a few yelled to him that his fly was undone on his jeans which led to chants of “take it off!” Nathan also commented during the set that the zipper had been causing issues. Fly up or down, Alex is one of the loudest guitarists I’ve heard and is probably responsible for me not being able to fully hear today. Always worth it.

Nathan, Stevie, Ross, and Alex play like a bunch of kids in school who are best friends and living out their dream- and that’s why they are a joy to watch and listen to. For years and years Wavves have been a comfort band for me. There have been shitty times where I’ve used music as a crutch and their music has made it all a little better. Getting to see the songs that got you out of a rut live is always worth it. Especially when you’re stood right by the speaker and can’t hear well the next day. That’s always the sign of a good night! I really hope they don’t leave it so long for the next tour because THAT was some bloody show!

WAVVES: Hideaway

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Wavves: Hideaway Album Review | Pitchfork

Nathan Williams is underrated. Wavves are underrated, and it’ll be a crime if the new Wavves record, Hideaway is overlooked.

Is it the best Wavves record to date? Quite possibly. I’ve still got a lot of sentimental attachment to King Of The Beach and Wavves, but there’s something about Hideaway that just really hits you. Maybe it’s the opener Thru Hell that really makes you feel like you’ve been turned onto something truly great, or maybe it’s because you know that Nathan is just incredible at what he does, and let’s be honest- there’s no such thing as a bad Wavves record. This is their seventh record, and maybe it’s because a few years have passed between records but Hideaway has something about it that just calms you. It soothes that part of your brain that just will not shut the fuck up. It’s hard work carrying that around, but Wavves lighten that load. Always have, always will.

I know the record came out just over a month ago but no part of me has wanted to write about anything. It happens from time to time; and I think it means my brain needs re-setting. I’ve been playing Hideaway every single day since it came out, and it’s been a lifeline. I don’t think any record of late has done that, but I’ve noticed most Wavves records have this grip on me.

Hideaway may only be a short record, but with these 9 songs the band give you everything you need and more. Every song on this record will move you in all kinds of ways. When I first played the record in full, I was just blown away with the growth in the Wavves sound. To really appreciate this record, go back and listen to previous Wavves records and give yourself plenty of to soak up Hideaway. The record opens with Thru Hell, and I know it’s super cliched but it’s the one I keep going back to. It’s the one I play the loudest, and I LOVE the line “Can’t talk now, I’m goin’ through hell. Can’t see straight, I don’t feel so well.” Just something about that line that just speaks to me a lot. The song is made to be played loud, that’s for sure.

Aside from Thru Hell quite possibly being one of my favourite songs of the year, the record is made up of anthems that you cannot help but scream along to. Help Is On The Way right through to Planting A Garden, the record just really speaks to you. If you’ve never listened to Wavves before then of course, you’ve been missing out but Hideaway is a mighty fine place to start. Be pretty cool to hear someone’s thoughts on playing this record then go backwards into Wavves records. Wherever and however you start, you’ll probably keep coming back to Hideaway. It’s got a real safety net feel to it, and I love how Nathan can put out records that just speak to how I’m feeling/how I’ve felt time and time again. That’s when you know you’ve found a band to really cling to.

For the foreseeable, I’m probably going to keep on playing Hideaway at least 5 times a day and just getting totally lost in it. There’s a hell of a lot to love about this record, and yeah it’s a damn shame we may not get a UK tour out of this. I can only imagine what this record would be like live. There’s tender moments on the record (Caviar) and there’s parts where you just feel like the song was written for you (Honeycomb.) It is just a divine record, and one I know, like all Wavves records- I just won’t ever get bored of it.