If Chrissie Hynde and Liz Phair had a love child, the lead singer of Wimps, Rachel Ratner would surely be their adorable offspring. This most unassuming slacker band from Seattle took the stage at Berlin this past weekend for their dedicated fans and rolled out their brand of bored punk rock, inducing smiles that would rival the Cheshire Cat’s. With incredibly catchy tunes like, “I Live in a Dump” and “Couches,” Wimps peppered the audience with their inventiveness and unabashed lackadaisical approach to life. It was cool, it was fresh and it was perfectly executed.
Wimps
Wimps
Wimps
Wimps
Wimps
The trio is one of those solid groups that sometimes slips under the radar—reminiscent of the days when garage bands could be found on every block and some were unfairly overlooked because of where their genesis occurred. This band could have tremendous potential if presented with the right opportunity in front of the right audience because their songs embody the best of life mantras; i.e. “I don’t care what you think.” There is a tremendous freedom in that belief. One would imagine a Wimps Wednesday afternoon rehearsal as the group reposing on ratty barcaloungers or bean bag chairs in someone’s basement penning song lyrics and strumming guitar chords while debating which one of them would make the next beer and pizza run. The simplistic ease with which they entertained their audience was fascinating. Every song was more approachable than the last and the overall gig was…fun. Yes, fun. Wimps is a band that reminds us that music is supposed to be fun and doesn’t have to set the scene on its ear. It can just tickle it a bit with its tongue and move on.
Wimps
W
W
W
W
Article: Hannah Soule
