Between 2008-2012 The White Wires were my most scrobbled band by hundreds of streams if not thousands. To say I have fond memories of the band, despite never seeing them perform live, would be an understatement. Hence my excitement to see the band suddenly pop up in my timeline everywhere.
The reason? This weekend, the band played a reunion show at a birthday bash of Dirty Donny Gillies, an artist that created some of the band’s artwork as well as directing a video. In the same week, White Wires singer/guitarist Ian Manhire also put a compilation of songs on the streaming services that weren’t on the White Wires Trilogy LPs. Included are the immense anthem Pogo Til I Puke Tonight, an alternative version of the classic Ha Ha Holiday, and their cover of Letter To G for the Nerves tribute compilation. There even is a previously unreleased song. It’s called Spy and it rocks. I guess this is how Beatles fans feel when an unreleased track is uncovered? By the way, White Wires fan Steve Adamyk pointed out that some tracks are missing, including the Ohio Express and Kinks covers. Manhire has promised to fix that soon.
The Singles and Rarities comp is a reminder of the sheer fun that White Wires brings to the table. Everything is on a budget in these minimalistic garage pop songs, except for the hooks. Oh my, those addictive hooks! It’s Alive Records immediately asked the band permission to release the compilation on vinyl. The band’s response was affirmative, so update your wantlist accordingly. And if that sounds formal, it’s only to hide my jittery excitement. Those LPs should arrive sometime this year, I guess.
This might also be a good time to mention that Ian Manhire has a new project out. As The Retrospects he plays synthy garage pop, almost like The White Wires provided the soundtrack to your favorite game at the Arcade hall. Expect a 13-song LP to drop this Summer.
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp
“Down on My Own” is a massive banger.
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