Colorfully catchy, upbeat and classy

Bringing their full power and catchy beats, The Wombats released their latest record, Fix Yourself, Not the World. The album has quickly led the band to their first-ever No. 1 in the UK music charts, and it is clear to see why. From top to bottom, each track is jammed with vibing, upbeat tracks that are colorful and funky.

The Liverpool-born group consists of Matthew Murphy, Tord Øverland Knudsen and Dan Haggis. Since 2003, the band has been blessing the musical waves with ever-evolving Eps and albums. Fix Yourself, Not the World is the band’s fifth studio album following their 2018 release, Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life. This new release is already causing a buzz, allowing the band to reach No.1 on the UK charts in record time, leading The Wombats to their fourth charting moment. Their streak all started with their 2011 release, This Modern Glitch.

The first single off the record, “This Car Drives All by Itself,” rings in with an aromatic reverb acoustic guitar. This mesmerizing song is pierced with a cymbal crash that brings in the power surge. It is a true upbeat pop track that drags in the listener delivering the classic Wombat catchy tone, making resistance futile.

“If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming With You” is a modern love song that sings of everlasting love that will never be left to break. The verses are hoppy and fun, but when the hook kicks in, the true urgency within the words comes out. Lyrically, this can be seen as the equivalent to The Police’s hit “Every Move You Make,” with the lyrics seen as a bit stalkerish. However creepy they may seem, the lyrics balance beautifully with the chaos of the guitar and percussion, offering hopefulness to young love.

Another popular track featured on the record is “Everything I Love Is Going to Die.” Musically, this track is luscious and upbeat; however, lyrically, it paints a completely different picture. One cannot help feverishly dancing to this bouncing beat while singing that all around you will die. The instrumentation is a wonderful juxtaposition to the pessimistic lyrics, making one depressed but happy all at the same time.

“Wildfire” captures the classic funk nature of The Wombats. It is a stunning mixture of funk, alternative and indie synth pop that all dance in harmony. From the punchy electric guitar to the choppy percussion and high energy vocals, this makes for one absolutely catchy track.

Bringing the hype down, “Method to the Madness” up until the middle of the track stands as the “ballad” of the record. As the song dips to a lull the sharp lyrics give power to the slow rise of the music and for the last half of the song takes off super charged and relentless.

The title track, “Fix Yourself, Not the World (Reach Behind Your Fingers),” closes out the album. The track, in a way, brings the record full circle, featuring this aromatic and vibrant soundscape that was heard in “This Car Drives All by Itself,” but this time, it’s not interrupted by percussion. Only lasting one minute and 43 seconds, this is a stunningly beautiful way to bring an upbeat and bouncing record to a satisfying close.

Fix Yourself, Not the World is a joyride the moment it starts. Each song bounced off the walls but in the best of ways.