The Wombats - 'X-Rated'
‘X-Rated’ is classic The Wombats and what makes the band so unique; witty, melodic, and brimming with energy.
It’s been an interesting year for The Wombats, back in February, when they released ‘Oh! The Ocean’, expectations were high. Their previous record, ‘Fix Yourself, Not the World’ (2022), debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, a tough act to follow. While their latest release didn’t quite reach the same heights, it still secured a well-deserved spot in the top five.
Packed with groovy rhythms and sharp irony in tracks like ‘Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come’ and ‘I Love America and She Hates Me’, the album showcases The Wombats’ knack for turning awkward situations into sing-along choruses. Their latest single, ‘X-Rated’, is no exception; it's almost like you can hear the fun they have while recording such tracks.
Taken from the extended version of their sixth studio album, set for release via AWAL Recordings on 5th December, the track was first teased by the band on Instagram back in February. Now, fans can finally hear it in full, and be pleasantly surprised by where it takes them. At first, ‘X-Rated’ sounds like a tender love song, until it’s not. Driven by punchy guitar riffs, tight drums, and Matthew Murphy’s unmistakable vocals, it’s a tragicomic track co-written by Murphy and Daniel Haggis.
Haggis describes it as: “An upbeat, summery pop tune about going through rough patches in a long-term relationship and trying to figure things out. Vampire Weekend meets Harry Styles on a cruise ship wearing really loud shirts with love hearts on.” It’s a perfect comparison, capturing the song’s playful blend of styles, navigating from indie rock strings to pop melodies.
From its laid-back verses, where the lyrics ponder what happens when the honeymoon phase ends, to the heavier, more urgent guitar-led choruses, ‘X-Rated’ moves effortlessly between moods: “I faked it, and for a while I made it / We used to be X-rated, we used to be close / Yeah, love is a virus on a cruise ship / We used to be X-rated, now I just don’t know / I just don’t know.”
‘X-Rated’ is classic Wombats that makes the band so unique: witty, melodic, and brimming with energy. This year was busy for them, with concerts at the biggest summer festivals, such as NOS Alive (Portugal) and Y Not Festival (UK), as well as a North American tour with sold-out shows. We can’t wait to see them perform it live during their upcoming UK and Ireland tour dates!
Words by Gabriela Simionato
