Summer Starts with Wavves.

Wavves returns with Spun, their latest full-length album, released June 27—perfectly timed to cut through the summer haze. Across 13 electrified tracks, the band unleashes a wave of raw, melodic energy, kicking things off with the explosive title track, “Spun.” True to form, the San Diego surf rockers hit the ground running, launching a two-month American tour that promises big riffs, sweaty crowds and zero chill.

Wavves began as a lo-fi recording project from frontman Nathan Williams back in 2008, a gritty solo endeavor that quickly took on a life of its own and launched his full-time music career. Now, the stage is more crowded—in the best way possible. Williams is joined by longtime bandmates Stephen Pope (backup vocals/bass), Alex Gates (backup vocals/guitar) and Ross Traver (backup vocals/drums), forming a tight-knit, punk-influenced quartet that blends melody and chaos in just the right proportions.

With more than half the songs on Spun leaning into an upbeat, high-energy sound, Wavves ensures that listeners will be moving—or at least nodding along. But don’t let the danceable rhythms fool you. Beneath the fuzzed-out guitars and catchy hooks lies a record deeply rooted in self-reflection, loneliness and frustration, much of it stemming from Nathan Williams’ recent breakup. The title track, “Spun,” captures that emotional spiral perfectly: “There’s nothing that should make me stay / But I can’t get up and walk away / ‘Cause I’m too dumb to see / That you were never mine.” It’s a raw confession dressed in distortion—pain wrapped in power chords.

This album doesn’t just usher in a new era for beach-bound summer crowds—it also welcomes some familiar collaborators. Travis Barker of Blink-182 lent his production talents and played drums on two standout tracks, “Goner” and “Way Down.” Reflecting on how “Goner” came together, Williams shared, “I had this song I had been sitting on, always revisited it and tried to record it a bunch of times but it was never just right. Eventually it was giving me PTSD. I was talking to Travis about doing some songs together and when I opened up the vault to him, this one jumped out so we laid it down and finally we got it right.” (via antimusic.com)

Spun finds Wavves striking a sharp balance between emotional depth and the unfiltered energy that’s defined their sound for over a decade. It’s raw and reflective, but never drags—it keeps the volume high while digging into themes of heartbreak, frustration and starting over. With tight production, infectious melodies and a return to their gritty, DIY roots, the band pushes forward without losing touch with what made them resonate in the first place. Whether you’re here for the riffs, the angst or the pure summer chaos, Spun proves Wavves is still very much in their element—and maybe even better than ever.