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Wavves’ Fuzzy, Hyper-Catchy ‘Afraid of Heights’ Is Now Streaming in Full

Wavves, Nathan Williams, 'Afraid of Heights'

Nirvana, Weezer, and Green Day similarities abound on Wavves’ new album Afraid of Heights, out March 26 via Mom + Pop (and one of SPIN’s 50 Albums You Gotta Hear in 2013). But perhaps the most #90s aspect of the follow-up to 2010’s excellent King of the Beach is that once again an originally skuzzy, cult-ish band has taken full advantage of a proper recording budget — and piled hooks high to the gymnasium rafters.

According to an interview with SPIN, Wavves singer-guitarist Nathan Williams recorded the album with bassist Stephen Pope and producer John Hill (Rihanna, M.I.A., Santigold) in Los Angeles, and Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis cameos. Videos have already surfaced for the great “Demon to Lean On” and “Sail to the Sun.” On brash “Lunge Forward,” Williams insists, “None of you will ever understand.” It’s not a question of understanding; if you feel it, you feel it. Come as you are.

Listen to Afraid of Heights below via NPR.