More about: The Wombats

The Wombats, a British indie band that’s filled the sticky floors of music venues up and down the country for 15 years, are back with their highly addictive and dazzling new album Fix Yourself, Not The World.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that perhaps The Wombats had faded away along with the rest of the early '00s bands, but 15 years on, the charm and talent of three unlikely lads from Liverpool (and Norway) have gone on to influence generations of fans and will soon fill the O2 Arena with their greatest hits. 

Fix Yourself, Not The World is the band's fifth album and it’s brighter and bolder than ever, filled with thrillingly catchy anthems that push the dynamics of what a pop song is supposed to be. Opening with ‘You Flip Me Upside Down’, Murph's instantly recognisable vocals lay over addictive key changes, a jangling pre-chorus and strong beats that make even the most reserved person want to dance.

Single, ‘If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming With You’ is the first single to appear on the album—its raucous energy and easy chorus remind listeners just why The Wombats have never faded into the background. Sonically, the track immediately enters the chorus, slowing slightly as synths layer over Dan’s pristine drum beats and Tord’s feisty bass guitar. Once again, a tune packed full of confidence is created.

Other singles on the album include ‘Ready For The High’, ‘Method to the Madness’ and ‘Everything I Love Is Going To Die’ which reminds us to live rather than to simply exist, appreciating all that life has to offer. 

On penultimate song 'Worry', Murph insists “it’s not paranoia if it’s really there”. This chilled out but anthemic track deals with themes of anxiety—like much of their back catalogue. The lyric “multiples of three keep me warm, keep me stable” perhaps refers to Murph’s own comfort within the band. ‘Worry’ is soft and comforting whilst keeping in The Wombats' tradition of a fast and infectious chorus for fans to recite.

The hazy, whimsical closing track 'Fix Yourself, Then The World (Reach Beyond Your Fingertips)’ ties together an album that’s as addictive as a sugar rush in a sweet shop. Not only does Fix Yourself, Not The World serve a purpose of filling up major venues, but The Wombats have shown what can be achieved when crisp, energetic pop songs and meaningful lyrics combine to keep hold of a generation of indie fans as well as gaining hordes of younger ones along the way. 

Fix Yourself, Not The World arrives 14 January.

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More about: The Wombats