The Wrecks Take Us “INSIDE” the Inspiration Behind New Project
The Wrecks are gearing up to take over the indie rock scene with new project INSIDE:, the first half of an ambitious dual release, set to come out on April 11 via Lava/Republic Records.
Their first album since 2022’s Sonder, the Los Angeles-based band are determined to return better than ever, showcasing their raw, introspective lyricism and DIY ethos. Never settling into one genre, the band frequently dips into styles like pop-punk and dream pop, approaching innovation like a challenge through which to emerge into a more unique and authentic sound. “The idea of using the same trick in multiple songs feels almost dishonest,” frontman Nick Anderson said. “It’s only interesting if it’s kind of a challenge, if there’s a bit of a puzzle to solve.”
INSIDE:’s two singles, “Speed” and “Always, Everytime”, contain all of the fast-paced pop-rock energy The Wrecks have come to be known for, but with a tangible melancholy underpinning the lyrics. On “Speed”, Anderson sings “I’m still depressed, but now I’m / now I’m depressed on speed”, belting his desire to run away throughout the chorus. The song explores the all-too-familiar disparity between outer appearances and inner feelings, how life keeps moving no matter what’s happening internally. Those two points of view manifested in the project’s dual-EP format, each half exploring “inside” reclusiveness and self-reflection versus the urge to get “outside” and experience life in its transience.
For Anderson, making INSIDE: was a way of getting creatively unstuck. After a year of isolation in his home and his mind, trying to find a new spark of inspiration, he needed to take a new approach to songwriting. “The record is about being locked away for so long, the outside world eventually starts growing in through the cracks of the walls because Mother Nature’s trying to set the score even,” he said. Once the decision was made to split the project in two halves, it became much less daunting than tackling a full record all at once.
Rather than trying to find the perfect words for the most relatable emotions, the band takes on the music-making process with the simple goal of capturing an honest, in-the-moment feeling. Relatability is an effect, not a cause, of their music. Any sense of connection or universality that fans experience must first come from a place of authentic, personal emotion. “If it’s in any way trying to reach anyone, I don’t think I’d be able to write something that could reach people,” Anderson said.
The band’s independent spirit extends into the visual side of the project as well, with the music video for “Speed” directed by Anderson himself and filmed inside his home. “I love the arts and crafts that come with being in a band,” said Anderson, who often participates in the lighting design and stage production for their live shows. “It’s always been really fun but I’ve never had the time.” Finally having an empty house and a moment to spare for creative brainstorming, the band created a vibrant visual accompaniment to the new single. “Speed”’s music video fully captures the song’s restlessness in its foliage-filled rooms and Rube Goldberg-esque laundry contraption.
The Wrecks are also set to embark on the INSIDE : OUTSIDE tour across the US in support of the project. It’ll be their biggest headlining tour to date, making stops at Brooklyn Steel on May 14 and a headlining show at The Wiltern in LA on May 31. They also have support from several indie gems including Quarters of Change and Benjamin Carter, as well as Cece Coakley at the Brooklyn show. Getting back on the road is always exciting for The Wrecks, each stop a new opportunity to interact with fans and polish their set. According to Anderson, fans can simply expect “a good show” on their tour, full of energetic stage presence and a setlist of brand-new songs from INSIDE: as well as all the fan favorites.
The Wrecks’ INSIDE: is available to pre-order and pre-save now, and catch the band on the INSIDE : OUTSIDE tour this spring!