Bleeds, the sixth studio album from the alternative rock band Wednesday, was released on September 19 and delivered yet another album filled with the music and lyricism reminiscent of their past work. Coming off their breakout album Rat Saw God in 2023, the North Carolina band did not miss a beat, combining evocative lyricism with their genre-bending sound.
The lead track, “Reality TV Bleeds,” sets a fitting tone for what’s to come. An explosive buildup crescendoes into rock music that leads perfectly into “Townies,” a touching revisiting of a small-town life that recalls memories of people left behind. This is a quintessential example of what makes Wednesday special. What truly transcends them above other acts is the weight of the lyricism from frontwoman Karly Hartzman and the poignant pictures she paints. A trademark theme is their vivid imagery of life in rural Appalachia. There is nothing showy about their lyrics; they elevate everyday experiences of rural southern life that are not customary in alternative music. Lines about “stokin’ bonfires with leaf blowers,” “scratch-off ticket for the education lottery,” or driving “to the airport with the e-brake on” are snippets of the way that they build a scene.
Their romanticization of the place where they grew up is a welcome relief for listeners and can make them feel represented in a genre that is not traditionally associated with rural life. In a way, Wednesday is country music. They show that there is more to Southern life than pick-up trucks and high school football games. They resonate with listeners by highlighting other parts of life that are seldom depicted in rock bands and make listeners feel seen.
In fact, Wednesday’s unique sound incorporates many country elements throughout. It is most apparent in the songs with a change of pace like “Phish Pepsi,” “Gary’s II,” and “Elderberry Wine.” The latter of the three, also the lead single from Bleeds, is one of the most melodic songs in Wednesday’s discography, but also one of the most tender and heartfelt songs on the album. This album was the first since Hartzman and bandmate MJ Lenderman ended their romantic relationship, and this ballad exemplifies an outpour of emotion that can only come from heartbreak.
Photo by Dina Zeid.
When Wednesday took the stage at Levitation Fest last Saturday at one of their first shows since the album’s release, they showcased Bleeds to an audience that seamlessly fed off of their passionate performance. Not even the oddly early start time of 2:40 PM for a band of their status could put a damper on them. The band opened up the show with the surging introduction “Reality TV Bleeds,” just like they did for their album. The piercing, hard rock instrumentals, accompanied by frontwoman Karly Hartzman’s supplemental screams, set the tone for the show. They interspersed new material with old hits while not missing a beat, doing a service to the original track recordings while adding a raw, genuine aspect that you can only get from a live performance. The piercing, screamed lyrics add a burst of energy that keeps you on your toes, and the newly added lead guitarist, Spyder Pugh, proves that he can hold his own after taking over touring duties from MJ Lenderman.
The collaboration between fans and the band brought a truly special presence. Hartzman heavily encouraged moshing, which can usually be a worry for more anxious fans, but while rowdy, there was never a worry of getting punched in the face or squeezed between people with this show. It’s the scene of a typical rock show: jumping, mosh pits, and headbanging, although unlike others, there is a unique feel that sets them apart from hardcore shows. They have a positive aura in it that you do not usually see, where even the more calm, reserved fans can’t help but move along with the music.
Their ability to guide a crowd through moods was displayed when they played “Elderberry Wine.” It was a welcome pause in electric-heavy songs and provided a moment to be wrapped up in the comfort of a fuzzy-feeling-inducing love song.
Before the final song, “Bull Believer,” Hartzman started by addressing the crowd and acknowledging the state of the world. There are plenty of issues to lament in troublesome times, and she encouraged everyone to scream along with her to let out their agony all at once. It made for one of the most ethereal moments of the show as it wrapped up with her signature hypnotic belts for several minutes. Just like the finale of anguished screams ringing through the audience, the band’s forte is the cathartic release of all troubles and problems, and it gives anyone a vessel to channel that anger into something beautiful. At its core, putting all those emotions to song is what Wednesday is all about.