Review of The Wavebirds’ album “In All Their 2.4GHz Glory”
If you are a fan of the intersection of video games and ska in music, you must check out The Wavebirds from Vancouver and their latest album, “In All Their 2.4GHz Glory”. This album pays homage to the 90s era with a heavy influence on the 3rd wave ska sound, featuring 11 tracks.
The songs on this album blend horn lines and catchy ska rhythms with lyrics that delve into real-world issues, making clever use of video game-inspired themes to provide an escape into the virtual realm. For instance, the track “I Wanna Live My Life in a Video Game” perfectly captures this sentiment.
What sets this album apart is that the video game references serve as symbols for deeper messages, rather than just glorifying gaming itself. A prime example of this is the feminist anthem “P.L.I.”, which initially seems to be about beating a high score on Donkey Kong but actually tackles gender equality in a patriarchal society.
Other tracks like “Blue Shell Breakup” and “The Raid Boss Killed All My Friends” also follow this pattern, blending gaming references with meaningful narratives. The exception might be “Youngster Joey’s Song”, which may literally be about the Pokemon character Rattata.
Aside from its clever use of allegories, “In All Their 2.4GHz Glory” boasts exceptional sound quality. With members like trombonist Mike Dorval and vocalist Callyn Dorval adding their talents, the album is a musical treat. Guitarist Adam Thomas and drummer Will Navarro shine in crafting great ska punk music, while bassist John Kneeshaw delivers impressive basslines reminiscent of music legends.
Beyond the surface level of fighting bosses and robotic beaches, this album delves into themes of unity, hardships, and friendship. With its crisp production and catchy tunes, The Wavebirds’ debut album breathes new life into the geek rock genre. Listening to their music is an experience to be savored in all its 2.4GHz glory.
“In All Their 2.4GHz Glory” by The Wavebirds is now available on Bandcamp.