By Marissa Lee
Wet began 2016 with the release of Don’t You, a compilation of the band’s earlier singles plus seven new tracks. The album is an easy listen, with singer Kelly Sutra’s voice transforming the often mixed up feelings of love and heartache into an electro-alternative lullaby. While there isn’t necessarily any ‘happy’ songs on the album, the cynicism and bittersweet themes are disguised somewhat by the softness and of her voice and the airy/ethereal quality of the accompanying production. Wet could be best described as just cool.
Musically speaking, the album is cohesive, and flows well. It would be wrong to say it was boring- despite the vibe/style being almost identical for a lot of the songs, they’re different enough in their details to avoid being repetitive. It’s easy background music that doesn’t necessarily demand all of the listener’s attention, which makes it a great addition to a study playlist. Lyrically, the album is raw and honest; some songs stand out more because of the lyrics than anything. Opening track It’s All In Vain frames the album as a push-pull narrative, depicting the desire for all or nothing in the story of the relationship, a story that develops throughout the album. Listening to the songs in order really brings to light Wet’s ability to tell a story through their album, with which this relationship starts, and appears to finish. All the Ways stands out in its production, with Move Me holding the most lyrical conviction. “Call me by my real name” calls her partner to stand, on his promise of a commitment. Island holds the same power in the lyrics but with a more surrendered message, Sutra’s almost-begging “I’m on fire, put me out” just one example of the imagery and tendency for poignant lyrics.