Wild Nothing

The former bedroom project of Virginia native Jack Tatum, Wild Nothing stuffed 2010’s Gemini with shimmering shoegaze that’s highly derivative of ’80s dream pop. But as proudly as that debut LP flashes the 4AD and Slumberland badges pinned to Tatum’s songs, it’s a well-crafted and heartfelt tribute. The bandleader didn’t just lift a taste for peeling guitar tones from old Smiths discs—he’s clearly learned valuable lessons about catchy melodies and romantic yearning from Morrissey and Marr. A new single, the uplifting, string-laden “Shadow,” was just released in advance of Wild Nothing’s follow-up, Nocturne, due out on Captured Tracks in August.

Updated 07/04/2012