The Wrens

Picking yourself up and dusting off the dirt from a bad situation is something this New Jersey quartet are used to, whether it be run-ins with record labels, working thankless jobs, or the old favourite of boy meets girl, girl eventually leaves boy.

It’s never been an easy ride, but what has tried them has definitely made them stronger. Anyone who has listened to their latest album, The Meadowlands, would testify to that. A perfectly executed collection of beautiful & emotive songs, this album is currently enjoying its’ re-release on the back of their current UK tour.

Seeing The Wrens play live is a performance in the very sense of the word. The tiny stage could barely contain bassist Kev Whelan, who undoubtedly would have bounced off the walls if only there was room, while Jerry MacDonald played drums as if the entire world depended on it.

The sheer, raw sound that emanated from the stage erupted like a sonic volcano over the crowd, who didn’t shy away, but simply bayed for more.

Fans old and new were treated to sumptuous renderings of songs from The Meadowlands, including current single ‘Hopeless’, while the hardcore fanbase danced with pure delight as older songs such as ‘I’ve Made Enough Friends’ and ‘Surprise, Honeycomb’ had their airing.

In the throes of middle age they may be, but why should that hold them back? Nothing else ever has. Their time is coming, and not only are they worthy, they are ready.