Hailing from the “Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno’s own Wayward brings a larger-than-life sound to your stereo. From the crushing, opening guitar riff on the first track to the closing harmonies of “This City,” these four guys seem to balance touring, college courses, and a growing fanbase extremely well. Though still unsigned at this point, their work ethic and talent should definitely be paying off soon. Their Myspace page encourages listeners to write in because they will respond to EVERYTHING, and they even have a chatroom for fans on their page.
The five-song EP boasts fifteen minutes of pure infectious energy. Lead singer Chris Stanton sounds like a less moody/more masculine version of most of his emo-rocking peers (i.e imagine Fall Out Boy if they sounded like they actually enjoyed their jobs). On songs like “She’s Got Me (I Give In)” it’s the typical love song but I dare you not to sing along with the “whoa oh oh’s.”
“Shirley You Can’t Be Serious” is a great choice for a first single, and moves from a fierce drumline into a catchy chorus and a story about urging a girl to give the guy just one more chance. I’d love to hear a little more variety with a slower track or two, but I’d like to just hear more from them in general. I wish them the best of luck in this industry and hope to be hearing much more from them in years to come.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Nate- thanks SO much for the awesome review!!
We really appreciate all the kind words.
We’ll be in touch.
-Chris
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Wayward is an amazing band! Its so cool to have some real talent here in Reno.
If you’d like to hear a slower song, look back on their “Demonstration EP” on iTunes. The track “City Sleeps” is a GREAT midtempo song. As a matter of fact…just get the whole damn EP. Definitely worth it
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Wayward is an amazing band with four amazingly talented guys, and I feel extremely lucky to live in the same town as them!
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:58 pm
No problem Chris! Keep putting out the great tunes!
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Thank you so much Nate =) This review really made my day!
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Awesome that you gave these guys some recognition! They deserve it and we’re all looking forward to more great music and touring soon!
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:32 pm
agree with everything said here! they rule.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:29 am
As WAYWARD’s number 1 fan, I’m extremely pleased with this review. It’s a much more mature review than all the “I effing love these guys” I usually write. Haha! These guys are really incredible and they’re going to make it. I know they are and everyone whose heard them knows that too. These boys aren’t just trying to get famous “just cause,” their doing this because it’s something they love and they want to share it with the world!
I love these guys
November 4th, 2009 at 12:40 am
I agree! I was blown away at how great that EP was for just being a small band in Reno and it has surprisingly became one of my favorite cds to play in my car and on my ipod. I just love rolling down my windows and singing along with them as I drive, and my close friends agree. We love Wayward.