UK post-punk trio WETDOG have announced a new album, Divine Times, their first in nearly five years. After the release of Frauhaus in 2009 on Captured Tracks and an extensive tour, inter-continental moves put a wedge between members putting the continuation of the band in speculation. Turns out WETDOG didn’t break up, they were just on extended hiatus, and thanks to Upset The Rhythm, we now have some new music to look forward to.
WETDOG are Rivka Gillieron, Sarah Datbylgu and Billy Easter, who’s oft-kilter brand of dark melodic punk has seen many shifts in their short two-release tenure as a band. If the first single from Divine Times, “Message”, is any indication, we might be in line for a bit of an upbeat return from the three individuals. This would fit with their label change from the brooding Captured Tracks to the enlightening UTR; think Devo meets Talk Normal… or something like that.
Addressing the fact that Datbylgu now resides in the States, the trio shares how the album was ultimately created:
Separated by an ocean, the trio have had to work harder than ever to rope together their instincts. This commitment to staying in touch with each other as well as in touch with their sound can be heard throughout their new album Divine Times. Keen ideas swirl, each afforded the luxury of time and due process. Contrasts and flights of fancy that sounded haphazard before are now as enmeshed and integral as the band’s close-knitted mix of venturesome drumbeats, sinewy guitar lines and bass anchor.
You can stream Messages below. Divine Times will be released May 4 on Upset The Rhythm.
