The Wombats' new single “Lemon to a Knife Fight” marks its first new music since 2015’s Glitterbug, featuring one of my favorite modern alternative songs, “Greek Tragedy.” The UK cool-kids are back and on the right track with “Lemon to a Knife Fight,” the first single off their upcoming fourth studio album, Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life.
The Wombats’ prerogative has always been its pairing of dark lyrics and fun, upbeat, somewhat vintage music. I don’t think I’ve heard a single Wombats’ song that doesn’t reference alcohol and at least one illicit drug.
“This is Not A Party” off its last record captures The Wombats’ essence perfectly, as the song breaks down the melancholy tint to a party, as people rebel. Its understanding of humanity is expressed in the band's music in an uncommon way.
People like to think of partying as fun and relationships as romantic, but The Wombats challenge that narrative by diving into why people do the things they do, and how nothing is ever really picture perfect.
The new single is no different. “Lemon to a Knife Fight” illustrates a toxic, yet intriguing on-again-off-again relationship that the protagonist cannot seem to distance himself from.
“Hero to zero at 60mph/My eyes are getting wider with every word you say/Intoxicated, higher than the ISS/I've clawed my way out of here before/But tonight I'm turning left,” frontman, Matthew Murphy sings.
The new single also incorporates killer guitar riffs and an ‘80s-esque production theme, but it doesn’t feel tired, like many artists’ attempts at the trend. The sound is just as fresh and innovative as always.
The Wombats’ are one of those really rare bands whose records actually progressively got better, rather than gradually becoming less unique, lazier and written to trends. The new record shouldn’t be an exception to that rule.
The Wombats are not a chart-topping U.S. band, and it isn't trying to be, so there’s no reason that Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life won’t be filled with well-constructed alternative jams.
That being said, The Wombats have a sizable following here. It will be touring in the U.S. in January, making stops at venues like NYC’s Brooklyn Steel — an 1,800 seat club. Its shows are just as high-energy as their albums, and I don’t see it losing steam anytime soon.
Halle Weber is a sophomore studying journalism with a focus in news and information at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Did you listen to The Wombats? Let Halle know by tweeting at her @HalleWeber13.
