Image is something that is taken into account no matter what kind of music you are creating these days. Even the absence of an image is an image of it’s own. Every genre of music, whether it be popular music or indie music, develops an image that suites the scene and the people within it. Sometimes the artists will create their own image, as was often done in the indie scene, or some executive of a record label will decide what image is the best to sell the product, as is with popular music. What popular music has done, and what Chris stated in his Justin Beiber review, is taken the meaning out of the art, which in effect diminishes the power of the art, and the level with which it effects those who listen.

It might just be me, or it might be that I am getting older, although certainly not old enough to sound it, but the same diminishing process seems to be slowly seeping into the indie scene as well. Band’s are being judged by the way they appear or the way they handle themselves on the road. The actions of the people who create music seems to be overshadowing their product and effecting the way others perceive their artistic expressions. Rumors spread, opinions and statements are made pertaining to what they did, or what they said, instead of what they created, and whether they achieved what they seemed to be striving for.

I suppose this was inevitably going to happen within the indie scene as well. It was only a matter of time before different genres solidified their fan base and accumulated a certain amount of recognition behind a specific marketable look. These observations do not necessarily deter from the music, as much as diminish a level of credibility. People will react to certain instances and then comment on the music as if it is connected in some way to an artist’s publicly displayed actions.

This has unfortunately happened with the new release from the band Wavves. Before listening to the album I had vaguely heard of some instance in which the lead singer of the band had a “meltdown” while touring, or something to that effect. I was never quite certain about the specifics and I didn’t necessarily care. Unfortunately for the band, people started to question their credibility and their music, which is a mistake that extended into the reception of their new release.

That being said, I was not that impressed with their first album, and upon listening to King Of The Beach, I was utterly blown away by the drastic move forward in production and songwriting. There are many influences on this album that clearly shine through. Nirvana’s influence can be heard on the tracks: “Super Soaker,” “Linus Spacehead,” “Take On The World,” “Post Acid,” “Idiot,” and “Green Eyes.” Animal Collective/Deerhunter influences are found on the tracks: “When Will You Come,” “Baseball Cards,” and Mickey Mouse.” Of Montreal has a quick influence on the tracks “Convertible Balloon,” and “Baby Say Goodbye.”

All of these influences are very noticeable but they don’t overpower the success Wavves achieves by pulling it off. The songs are good and they stand on their own, despite taking obvious cues from other bands. A great album with great songs that do not in any way represent the actions of the band outside their creating this piece of art.