Modern indie rock has taken a deep dive into shoegaze, pouring a general foundation that can be described as scuzzy and creating an environment where the genre’s next great architects can build something amazing.
Bands like Friko and Hotline TNT have stepped up in a big way — and, at this Studio Milwaukee Session, Wishy once again proved their musical ability through a headbanging onslaught of music.
The band played at Radio Milwaukee just eight months ago, being hot off the release of their very well-received debut album Triple Seven. Following the release of their new EP Planet Popstar in April, the band returned to our space with a whole new take on what indie rock is — and without knowing what the future for the genre can be.
Opening the show with a simple “hello” from frontman Kevin Krauter, the band burst into “Persuasion” from their debut album and immediately showed how they thrive off the sonic balance between each instrument. Bright guitars, dark bass and a pounding beat created the usual wall of sound, but catchy vocal hooks between Krauter and guitarist/vocalist Nina Pitchkites led the instrumentation as a conductor would lead a symphony.
Musical genres are arbitrary boundaries that constantly shift. It takes sonically experimental bands like Wishy to develop something that becomes a cultural cornerstone. They make music that channels an anthemic-like quality, with strong vocal cues that zap songs directly into your brain. This is a band with an inherent understanding of music as a whole, even though they might not believe it.
When asked about the future of indie rock, Krauter — who correctly analyzed the shoegaze-ification of indie rock last year — made a new claim. “Don’t take my words as gospel, I really don’t know what I’m talking about,” he said. “But, as it happened in the ’90s, Brit pop came next, and I think maybe that's up next.”
Who’s to say if he called the next big era? But, if that's so, then Wishy is the band to lead the charge into uncharted waters.
Studio MKE: Wishy setlist
- “Persuasion”
- “Fly”
- “Triple Seven”