Welly’s debut album, Big In The Suburbs, is a riot of humor, nostalgia, and razor-sharp social commentary, all wrapped up in punchy indie-punk chaos. It’s a record that thrives on the contradictions of suburban life, where dreams of breaking free rub up against the comfort of the familiar, and where satire and sincerity dance side by side. Across 14 tracks, Welly crafts a vividly British coming-of-age saga, one where roundabouts feel like racetracks, high streets are war zones, and life’s biggest dramas unfold in garden sheds and cul-de-sacs.
From the opening moments of the title track, it’s clear this is going to be a fun ride. A jangly guitar riff and stomping beat gets you amped up before Welly’s deadpan, rapid-fire lyrics burst in, sketching out a picture of neighborhood squabbles, Sky Sports dads, and disillusioned game show super-fans (lyrics that are remarkable on the nose). It’s witty, frantic, and anthemic, a theme song for every suburban dreamer who’s ever wanted their name in streetlights. That same playful energy runs through Home For The Weekend, a breakneck nostalgia trip packed with chanty hooks and train station roll calls that perfectly capture the bittersweet rush of returning to your hometown.
As much as Big In The Suburbs is a love letter to the absurdities of everyday life, it’s also an album full of musical surprises. Knock and Run leans into a slower, swaggering groove, packed with a punky attitude and a chorus that’ll go off live. Deere John takes a hilariously tragic look at middle-class monotony, repeating “He mows the lawn” so many times it becomes both absurd and deeply poetic. It’s moments like these where Welly’s storytelling chops shine, somewhere between the sharp satire of Blur and the suburban malaise of Pulp, but with its own uniquely mischievous charm.
The album also doesn’t shy away from poking fun at modern culture. Soak Up The Culture takes a dig at gap-year Brits on their quest for enlightenment (and cheap wine), while Shopping skewers consumerism with an irresistible mix of raw guitars, synthy flourishes, and a chorus that feels tailor-made for sweaty indie disco singalongs. Welly’s knack for injecting humor into social observations keeps things light even when the themes could be considered deep.
But it’s not all breakneck speed and quick wit. Cul-De-Sac brings a more reflective tone, using voicemail snippets and a punchy stop-start delivery to tell the story of a doomed romance. Then there’s Pampas Grass, which takes a more electronic-leaning approach, building tension before exploding into a swirling, euphoric climax. The Roundabout Racehorse is another highlight, a slower track that layers in some of the most refined production on the album, while still keeping that scrappy DIY charm.
Just when you think the album might be winding down, Welly throws in a few more curveballs. It’s Not Like This In France delivers distorted guitar and deadpan humor in equal measure, and Life Is A Motorway closes things out with a slower, almost group-chant-like singalong that feels like the final moment in a chaotic, coming-of-age film.
What makes Big In The Suburbs stand out isn’t just the clever lyricism or their knack for an earworm melody, it’s the sheer personality that radiates from every track. There’s an unpolished, DIY charm here that makes it all feel alive, like you’re right there in the middle of a sweaty, beer-soaked gig with them. The influences are clear on this one. Think a mix of Jamie T, early Arctic Monkeys, and a dash of Pet Shop Boys, sprinkled in Pigeon Detectives, but Welly has carved out something fresh, fun, and completely their own.
For a debut, this is a ridiculously strong statement, full of humor, chaos, and a deep love for the small-town stories that shape us. It’s messy in the best way, with experimental touches, unexpected interludes, and a relentless energy that makes you want to hit repeat the second it’s over. British music and to be fair Irish music too, has been guilty of taking itself too seriously at times, Welly is here to change that.
Big In The Suburbs scores a well deserved 8.5 out of 10
PRE-ORDER BIG IN THE SUBURBS LP: Pre-order HERE
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography