WORDS HARRY K
WELLY
” BIG IN THE SUBURBS “
RELEASE DATE 21 MARCH 2025
Welly’s debut album, Big In The Suburbs, offers a vibrant and humorous exploration of suburban life, capturing both its monotony and its understated charm. Through a collection of alt-pop tracks, Welly presents narratives of everyday experiences teetering on the edge of absurdity.
Track Highlights:
“Big In The Suburbs”: The title track sets the tone with its lively melody and satirical lyrics, reflecting on the band’s own suburban roots.
“Shopping”: This song critiques the decline of UK high streets and the pervasive grass-is-greener mentality, all within a catchy, budget-friendly pop framework.
“Soak Up The Culture”: A playful take on the lads-on-tour anthem, this track adds a humorous twist to the genre, showcasing the band’s knack for blending satire with infectious tunes.
“Deere John” and “Cul-De-Sac”: These songs delve into tales of romantic entanglements at dead ends, illustrating Welly’s talent for storytelling through relatable scenarios.
Drawing inspiration from Blur’s storytelling, Pet Shop Boys’ intellectual electronica, and Girls Aloud’s energetic anthems, Welly crafts a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. Their music evokes images of early 2000s British pop culture, reminiscent of shows like “Horrible Histories” and the works of Alan Bennett.
Bending sharp, jangly guitar riffs with warm, driving basslines that anchor each track. The guitars often have a crisp, upbeat tone, reminiscent of classic Britpop, adding energy and brightness to the songs. The bass complements this with rhythmic grooves that keep the music grounded while adding depth to the sound.
The drums are tight and punchy, delivering straightforward yet effective beats that give the songs a propulsive momentum. There’s a playful quality to the percussion, with occasional experimental touches that break the mold of standard alt-pop rhythms. Keyboards make occasional appearances, adding layers of texture and melody, particularly in tracks that lean towards a more electronic or atmospheric feel, evoking the influence of bands like Pet Shop Boys. The overall production is minimalist yet clever.
Embracing a DIY approach, Welly self-produced the album over six weeks at frontman Welly’s father’s house in Scotland. Utilizing charity shop instruments and a “solid gold mentality,” the band delivers a raw and authentic sound that aligns with their budget-conscious ethos.
Known for their energetic and humorous live shows, Welly brings the same exuberance to their recordings. Their performances are marked by playful antics, such as audience participation and spontaneous moments, reflecting their commitment to making music that is fun and engaging.
Big In The Suburbs is a testament to Welly’s ability to blend lively fun with quintessentially British storytelling. The album captures the essence of suburban life with wit and charm, offering listeners a relatable and entertaining experience. Welly’s unique approach to music-making positions them as a band to watch in the British indie scene.
TRACK LISTING
Big In The Suburbs
· Home For The Weekend
· Knock And Run
· Deere John
· Soak Up The Culture
· Shopping
· Cul-De-Sac
· Pampas Grass
· The Roundabout Racehorse
· Under Milk Wood
· Family Photos
· Country Cousins
· It’s Not Like This In Franc
FOLLOW WELLY
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
