Over the past few years, Summerfest has made sure to fill the English alternative/rock band slot with some truly remarkable bands. From Arctic Monkeys in 2014 to Bastille and The Kooks in 2015, Summerfest has been able to satisfy my admiration (and strange fanboy obsession) with English alt/rock. Although The Wombats aren't the biggest all-stars of the English rock scene this year (Bloc Party released a new album, newcomers The Struts and Blossoms have gained steady exposure) they had a successful 2015 with the release of their third studio album, Glitterbug, a synch/rock mix with big hooks and heartfelt lyrics.
Having been able to see The Wombats perform at Lollapalooza last year, I know this concert won't disappoint. There will be a solid amount of songs from each of their albums performed, including a good half of Glitterug. You'll be able to see all of the lead singer and guitarist Matthew Murphy's takes on heartbreak and love, from the confusion that comes with miscommunication in ‘Emoticons,' to the sad clichés present in rom coms in ‘Kill the Director.' It is interesting to see how Murphy's view on love has changed, just by listening to previous albums containing more of the sleazier, tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
But fear not, The Wombats have always been heavy on danceable tracks which will be a plenty Friday evening at Summerfest. From the building momentum of ‘Techno Fan,' to standards such as ‘Moving to New York' and ‘Let's Dance to Joy Division,' the latter being the most obvious excuse to obnoxiously jump around at your own caution on those slim metal benches. The Wombats will be sure to put on a killer show in true English rock fashion, and even thought Summerfest may be a year late to The Wombats party, better they be late to the party then never show up at all.
