Wonderbug Explores Growing Up In Debut EP “Scrap”
Born in South London, these four friends have already impacted the UK music scene. Over the last three years, they made their rounds across the London live circuit. This allowed them to perfect the Wonderbug sound; where indie and grunge meet is the band's sweet spot.
Photo by Lewis Graham
Wonderbug is made up of Edie Chesters (vocals and synth), Ollie McDaid (vocals and guitar), Otto Fitzgerald (bass), and Ben Chesters (vocals and drums). The juxtaposition in their music is what sets them out. Before Scrap, the band released two singles. “Hiding In Plain Sight” and the debut EP track, “What A Waste Of Time”. Despite this being their first body of work, they clearly understand who they are and what they will be. Still, in their early years, there is something special about them—an essence that they will be the next big thing.
Throughout the EP, their three-year stint as a live band is obvious; each song flows flawlessly into the next. Every instrument complements each other and is the perfect backing for delicate but rugged harmonies. Like on the opening track, “On The Outside,” a beautiful introduction with soft and deep vocals lures you in before a sucker punch of drums and guitars. This track is the ultimate introduction to Wonderbug; it shows how they fight against each other to create beautiful, messy songs.
Scrap is a body of work that delves into the nooks and crannies of growing up and shedding teenagehood. Each track is a mini-tale, covering topics from losing friends to existentialism.
“Salt In The Wound” is a standout track. It is slightly different from the others, but for good reasons. It starts slower, allowing you to take in lyrics of betrayal and a relationship’s breakdown. The song physically goes through the motions of betrayal with verses capturing the sinking feeling of finding out, and sudden anger being mirrored in the chorus. As it goes into the lull of the bridge, you get sucked into a false sense of security as if you are over the betrayal before being thrust straight back into the pain. With all the elements being shoved into one song and mixed up to create the quintessential Wonderbug track, “Salt In The Wound” will be remembered as one of their greats.
With themes of love, doubt, and purpose, “Scrap” is the perfect introduction to Wonderbug’s world. Their time spent honing their craft glimmers through each song. They are already a well-polished band just waiting for their time to shine, which makes this EP even more special.
